On Sunday, March 29, 2026, the Divine Liturgy of the Fifth Sunday of Lent and the official Doxology for the National Anniversary of March 25th were celebrated with ecclesiastical splendour and a deeply reverent atmosphere at the Metropolitan Church of the Archangels in Brussels. The service was presided over by Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium and Exarch of the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
During this festive gathering, priests and deacons from the church concelebrated, and representatives of the diplomatic corps were in attendance, led by the Greek Ambassador to Belgium, Sophia Grammata, as well as Greek officers headed by Vice Admiral Loukas Tsarmaklis. Also in attendance were dignitaries from the Ecumenical Patriarchate and representatives of the Greek community, including the President of the Greek Community, Philippos Kotsaridis, and other distinguished guests.
The Metropolitan delivered a particularly inspired and theologically profound sermon. Drawing on the day’s Gospel reading, he emphasised the importance of the spiritual journey towards the Passion and Resurrection of the Lord. Focusing on the concepts of humility and sacrificial love, he emphasised that true glory is not achieved through worldly display or domination, but through self-offering and service to one’s neighbour.
Referring to the period of Holy and Great Lent, he said that it is a spiritual ‘arena of struggle’, in which the faithful must overcome their passions and weaknesses, and cultivate prayer, fasting, and repentance in order to renew their relationship with God and their fellow human beings. In a pastoral and fatherly manner, he encouraged the congregation not to view fasting merely as an obligation, but as an opportunity for inner transformation and spiritual renewal.
Special mention was made of Saint Mary of Egypt, who is commemorated on the Fifth Sunday of Lent. She was presented as a luminous example of repentance, hope, and a complete return to God. It was stressed that her life demonstrates that no human fall is insurmountable when accompanied by sincere repentance and faith.
After the Divine Liturgy, the official Doxology for the national anniversary of 25 March was held. During this service, the Greek Ambassador to Belgium, Sophia Grammata, gave a festive address rich in historical references and patriotic sentiment. This was followed by the playing of the national anthems of Greece and Belgium, evoking emotion and national pride.
The celebration concluded with a reception and refreshments in the hall next to the Metropolitan Church, providing an opportunity for fellowship and the exchange of greetings, and for further strengthening the bonds within the Greek community.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
