Metropolitan of Belgium: Orthodoxy is neither fundamentalism nor relativism

The Metropolis of Belgium and Exarchate of the Netherlands and Luxembourg held its 10th annual clergy gathering from October 28 to 30, 2026, in La Roche-en-Ardenne, Belgium, under the presidency of Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium.

The three-day meeting brought together Orthodox clergy from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg to discuss contemporary theological and pastoral challenges under the theme “Orthodoxy Between Fundamentalism and Relativism.”

Ecumenical Patriarch: Love Does Not Make Truth Relative The gathering opened with a blessing service and a message from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who emphasized the importance of theological education and spiritual guidance in contemporary society.

The Ecumenical Patriarch warned that both religious fundamentalism and relativism can harm individuals, with the former restricting personal freedom and the latter weakening the relationship with truth.

He stressed that the Orthodox Church should not seek a compromise between these two extremes but bear witness to Christ through freedom, love, and ecclesiastical communion.

“Love does not make truth relative but reveals its life-giving power,” Patriarch…