Orthodox Churches in France Grow by One Third
Orthodox Christianity is growing rapidly in France, driven largely by Romanian immigration, even as other Christian denominations continue to decline.
PARIS — The number of Orthodox churches in France increased by nearly one third between 2010 and 2024, according to a report published on December 23, 2025, by the Assembly of Orthodox Bishops of France. Yearbook data show that Orthodox places of worship rose from 235 to 320 during the period, while the number of clergy grew by almost 40 percent.
The report highlights a stark contrast with the continued decline in religious practice among Catholic and Protestant communities. It identifies mass immigration from Romania following the country’s accession to the European Union as the main driver of Orthodox growth. The Romanian Orthodox jurisdiction has become the largest in France, accounting for more than one third of all Orthodox parishes and a significant number of monasteries.
At the same time, the number of parishes offering services wholly or partly in French has increased by more than 50 percent, signaling deeper integration into French society. The authors note, however, that growth has been accompanied by internal challenges, including jurisdictional fragmentation and tensions linked to geopolitical conflicts affecting Orthodox unity in France.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the Kursk Root Icon was visiting parishes in Southern France.
