Orthodox Bishops of Benelux reaffirm support for Ukraine and condemn persecution of Christians

The Orthodox Episcopal Assembly of Benelux held its 33rd meeting in Brussels on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, under the presidency of Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, reaffirming its support for the Ukrainian people and condemning attacks and persecution targeting Christians worldwide.

The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Holy Metropolis of Belgium, bringing together representatives of Orthodox Churches active in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

Participants included Metropolitan Isaac of the Patriarchate of Antioch, Bishop Symeon of Domodedovo of the Moscow Patriarchate, Bishop Mark of Neamț, representing Metropolitan Joseph of the Romanian Patriarchate, and Bishop Dositheos of the Georgian Patriarchate.

Bishop Joachim of Apollonias, auxiliary bishop to Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium, also attended.

During the meeting, the hierarchs discussed several important issues concerning Orthodox Church life and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, solidarity, and cooperation.

The Assembly strongly condemned the deadly attack against an Orthodox church in Jordan, as well as the persecution of Christians in…