Orthodox Church Sees Rapid Parish Growth Across Western Europe

Metr. Athenagoras of Belgium. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr

LONDON — Orthodox Christian communities across Western Europe are experiencing notable growth, with new parishes and missions opening in several countries over the past week.

According to Bp. Irenei (Steenberg) of the Diocese of Great Britain and Western Europe of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), many parishes in the region have more than doubled in size in recent years. The diocese has opened ten new parishes and missions, with additional communities currently forming. In response, the diocese has reorganized into four deaneries to strengthen pastoral care and administration.

Elsewhere, Orthodox life continues to expand. On March 7, Bp. Peter of Kafa of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Western Europe celebrated the first Divine Liturgy in Tavira, Portugal. Before the service, an agreement transferred the Chapel of St. Margaret from the local Catholic diocese for Orthodox use for 25 years.

The same day, Metr. Athenagoras of Belgium presided at the first Liturgy of a new parish dedicated to the Honorable Belt of the Theotokos in Maastricht, hosted in a chapel of the historic Basilica of St. Servatius.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Ieronymos said that without Christ, Europe loses peace and stability. 

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