With due ecclesiastical splendor and solemnity, an Inter-Orthodox concelebration was held on the Saturday of the Akathist, March 28, 2026, at the Metropolitan Church of the Holy Archangels in Brussels, on the occasion of the 1400th anniversary (626–2026) of the first chanting of the Akathist Hymn to the Most Holy Theotokos in Constantinople.
The concelebration served as an expression of honor and gratitude to the Most Holy Theotokos, recalling the historic event during which the faithful people, standing, offered the Akathist Hymn in thanksgiving.
The Divine Liturgy was presided over by Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium and Exarch of the Netherlands and Luxembourg, concelebrating with him Bishop Ioakeim of Apollonias, along with numerous clergy of the Metropolis and representatives of various Orthodox jurisdictions present in Belgium.
The sacred service was adorned by choirs from different liturgical and national traditions, while a large number of faithful gathered to participate prayerfully in the celebration.
The homily was delivered by Archimandrite Ioannis Lena, who described the Akathist Hymn as a masterpiece of faith and poetry, emphasizing that for 1,400 years it has remained an unceasing source of prayer, consolation, and hope for the faithful.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a festive reception was held in the adjacent hall, attended by the Metropolitan, clergy, and the faithful.
This anniversary once again highlighted the timeless value and spiritual power of the Akathist Hymn, which remains a living symbol of faith and hope at the heart of the Orthodox Church.
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