Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium presided over the first Divine Liturgy of the newly established parish dedicated to the Holy Belt of the Theotokos on Saturday, March 7, 2026, in the historic city of Maastricht. The parish will be hosted in the chapel of the Basilica of Saint Servatius.
Saint Servatius, one of the earliest bishops of the region that is now the Netherlands, is regarded as the first Bishop of Maastricht. Living in the 4th century, he became known for his missionary work, his defense of the Orthodox faith during important theological struggles in the early Church, and his pastoral care for the faithful. His memory is commemorated on May 13, and his tomb in the Basilica of Maastricht has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries.
Concelebrating the Divine Liturgy was Fr. Antonios Tarlizos, parish priest of the parish of the Three Hierarchs in Hasselt, who will also serve the liturgical needs of the new parish by celebrating the Divine Liturgy on the first and third Saturday of each month. The Archdeacon of the Holy Metropolis of Belgium, Panteleimon Bakalis, also participated in the service.
Among those present in prayer was Fr. Konstantinos Dedes, parish priest of the parish of the Presentation of the Lord in Verviers.
The sacred hymns were beautifully chanted by the choir of the parish of the Three Hierarchs in Hasselt.
A large number of faithful attended the service, coming not only from Maastricht but also from nearby areas and neighboring Belgium. Many participated with emotion in the first liturgical gathering of the new Orthodox parish, marking an important moment for the Orthodox community in the region.
