On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the first study day of the Orthodox Prison Ministry in Belgium took place in Ghent at the parish of Saint Andrew.
The day began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in the small historic chapel of the Apostle Andrew and Saint Sophronius. Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium, Exarch of the Netherlands and Luxembourg, presided over the liturgy, which Orthodox prison chaplains and other clergy of the Metropolis concelebrated. Organized by the Orthodox prison chaplains of Belgium, the gathering aimed to raise awareness of the fundamental role of spiritual and human support for men and women serving sentences in correctional institutions.
After the Divine Liturgy, participants enjoyed a shared meal in a warm, fraternal atmosphere. Then, they were invited to attend the keynote presentation in the library hall.
The guest of honor, the Reverend Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Fr. Ioannis Psomas, presented on the topic: “Ministry to Prisoners in the Netherlands: Similarities, Differences, and Challenges.” Drawing on his experience as a prison chaplain in the Netherlands, Fr. Ioannis captivated the audience with a vivid and concrete portrayal of the pastoral work carried out in neighboring countries’ correctional institutions. “I was in prison, and you came to visit me” (Matthew 25:36).
