On Sunday, May 17, 2026, the Orthodox Parish of Saints Constantine and Helen in Bruges joyfully celebrated the feast of its patron saints.
The festive gathering reached its culmination with the celebration of a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, presided over by Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium and Exarch of the Netherlands and Luxembourg, assisted by eight priests and two deacons, among whom was the parish priest, Protopresbyter Fr. Bernard Peckstadt.
The hymns were beautifully chanted by the parish choir under the direction of Mr. Stefaan Coudenys. For veneration by the faithful, a fragment of the holy relic of Saint Helena and a fragment of the Precious Cross of the Lord were also presented.
A large number of faithful participated in the liturgical celebration, among whom the presence of many young people was particularly noticeable, a fact that bears witness to the vitality and dynamism of the Orthodox community of Bruges. Among the official guests were the Mayor of Bruges, Mr. Dirk De fauw, the Deputy Mayor for Culture, Mr. Nico Blontrock, Professor Fr. Adelbert Denaux, two other clergy of the Roman Catholic Diocese, as well as Messrs. Albert Raes and Andries Van den Abeele, prominent figures of local society.
In his address, Metropolitan Athenagoras referred to the Gospel reading of the healing of the man born blind and its profound spiritual significance. He emphasized that Christ not only heals physical blindness but also calls human beings to inner vision, so that they may receive the true light that comes from God. In an age in which many people are searching for truth, meaning, and hope, the Metropolitan invited all to recognize Christ as the Light of the world. He placed particular emphasis on the mission of the parish community to be a place of light, hospitality, and faith, especially for young people and those engaged in spiritual searching.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Athenagoras warmly greeted the official guests and expressed his joy at the excellent cooperation between the civil authorities and the Orthodox community of the city. He also highlighted the ecumenical character of the Orthodox parish, where faithful of different backgrounds gather in the unity of faith. At the same time, he expressed special gratitude to Fr. Bernard Peckstadt for his tireless service, enthusiasm, and dedication to the ministry of the parish community.
Subsequently, Fr. Bernard Peckstadt took the floor and warmly congratulated Metropolitan Athenagoras on his recent attainment of a doctoral degree in theology, following the public defense of his dissertation entitled: “The Orthodox Parish of Saint Catherine in Amsterdam (1752–1886).” He also expressed the parish’s pride in this significant academic distinction of its former parish priest and current Metropolitan.
Afterwards, Mr. Christophe Beyer expressed his sincere gratitude to Fr. Bernard Peckstadt and the Orthodox Parish of Bruges for the donation of a holy relic of Saint Andrew the Apostle to the Parish of Ghent. He also expressed his joy at the fraternal and warm relations connecting the two parish communities.
Following the liturgical celebration, the feast continued with a festive meal in the parish hall on Jan Boninstraat, offering the faithful and guests a wonderful opportunity for fellowship and conversation.
This year’s feast once again constituted a vivid testimony of faith, unity, and openness, confirming the important role held by the Orthodox community in the religious and social life of the city of Bruges.
