CROCEU festive reception to mark the 1400th anniversary of the Akathist Hymn

On Wednesday, 25 March 2026, the Committee of Representatives of the Orthodox Churches to the European Union (CROCEU) held a festive reception at the Ambiorix Orthodox Centre in Brussels, to mark the 1400th anniversary of the Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God, one of the most well-known liturgical creations of the Orthodox Church.

Moderated by Father George Valcu, CROCEU General Secretary, the event brought together Church leaders, members of the European Parliament, ecumenical partners and representatives of other European institutions. The evening began with a brief liturgical service. Those present joined in prayer to to the Mother of God, reciting the Akathist Hymn of the Annunciation, in Greek, English and Romanian.

This was followed by members of the Committee speaking to the guests about the historical and theological significance of the Akathist Hymn. His Eminence Athenagoras of Belgium, CROCEU Moderator, representing the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, emphasised the special importance of this hymn for Orthodox Christians, noting that it expresses the Church’s theology regarding the Mother of God in poetic language, nourishing faith throughout the ages — especially in times of turmoil and trial.

Father Sorin Selaru, Director of the Representation of the Romanian Orthodox Church to the European Institutions, then presented the current activities and priorities of CROCEU, and recalled the historical context of the year 626, when the Akathist Hymn was sung for the first time in Constantinople.

The event in Brussels emphasised the importance of dialogue between the Church and European institutions, as well as the role of Christian values in strengthening the European project.

CROCEU (the Committee of Representatives of Orthodox Churches to the European Union) was established in 2010 to give the Orthodox Churches a common voice in their dialogue with European institutions. This inter-Orthodox body brings together the official representations of the Orthodox Churches in Brussels and facilitates cooperation among them in addressing issues of common interest.

Through its work, CROCEU promotes Christian values in the European space, supports inter-institutional dialogue, and contributes to shaping common positions of the Orthodox Churches regarding current societal challenges. At the same time, the Committee seeks to strengthen a coherent and responsible presence of Orthodoxy within European debates.