Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew extended an invitation to the annual meeting of the Committee of Representatives of the Orthodox Churches in the European Union (CROCEU), which was held in Constantinople from November 20 to 23.
This gathering, essential for Orthodox Churches in the EU, typically rotates host countries each year. Previous meetings have been hosted by the Local Orthodox Churches of Romania, Greece, Cyprus, and Russia.
The first day of the meeting in Constantinople saw representatives from Orthodox Churches participating in a Vespers service at the Church of St. John the Divine, led by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
After the service, the representatives had an audience with the Ecumenical Patriarch to discuss the current activities, challenges, and future goals of CROCEU. The Patriarch expressed his support and appreciation for their work in uniting the Orthodox Church in Brussels.
Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium, as CROCEU Chair, presented challenges facing the Orthodox Churches to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, including the preservation of core values and sanctity of the Christian family.
The meeting also explored the proposal to engage more actively with European institutions, drafting coordinated proposals to support CROCEU’s interests. Additionally, plans to participate in pan-European forums for dialogue and cooperation were reaffirmed.
On the second day, CROCEU representatives joined a Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Liturgy was presided over by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and attended by hierarchs of the Orthodox Churches to the EU.
The Patriarch emphasized the unity and cooperation among Orthodox Christians in Europe and the importance of standing together in faith and purpose.
The third day’s agenda included a visit to Halki, the Holy Trinity Monastery, and other scheduled meetings.
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria