On Sunday, July 18, 2021, Metropolitan Athinagoras of Belgium presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Metropolitan Church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Brussels, in compliance with the restrictions and COVID-19 protective measures.
After the Divine Liturgy, a Doxology for Belgian National Day (July 21) was performed as reported by fosfanariou.gr.
At the end of the Doxology, speaking to the congregation, the Metropolitan referred to the presence of the Orthodox community in the history of Belgium and in particular since the establishment of the first Orthodox Parish in Belgium in Antwerp in 1900 and the official recognition of the Orthodox Church in 1985 by the Belgian State.
It is an achievement with many positive results and the corresponding responsibilities which are borne by the Metropolitan of Belgium who belongs to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and represents the entire Orthodox Church in Belgium.
Thus, as an expression of gratitude to the country, the former Metropolitan of Belgium, Panteleimon, established the Doxology ceremony on the Sunday closest to the Belgian National Day of July 21.
Finally, the Metropolitan referred to the disasters caused by the floods in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, hoping that God will grant the victims rest and consolation, while at the same time asking for the support of the faithful so that the Metropolis can make a contribution to those affected by the extreme climate conditions.