During the course of the week we will be bringing you a wide array of interviews, still photos and at times short videos of the proceedings. We thank the Order of St. Andrew for inviting us to cover this first historical conference as well as the National Ladies Philoptochos Society that offered assistance in the way of the needed technical equipment allowing us to share the conference with the world through our network. This event is brought to you by Order of St. Andrew Archon’s of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in America and the Pammakaristos Brotherhood of Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Europe in cooperation with the Liaison Office of the Orthodox Church to the European Union and the European Parliament.
Archon’s and their families led by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarch and the National Commander of the Order of St. Andrew’s, Dr. Anthony Limberakis along with the other officers, members of the Holy Synod in America, the Archon’s Spiritual Advisor the Rev. Alexander Karloutsos, Hierarchs from around the world, clergy and laymen are all anxious to attend the conference to learn more about this critical issue that has plagued the Great Church of Christ for decades.
“Human rights and religious freedom are of extraordinary importance to the European Union. The cornerstone of the Copenhagen Criteria which all candidate states who seek accession to the EU must adopt is the guarantee of “ the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities.” It is in this context that this conference focuses on the status of religious freedom in Turkey, a candidate state for the EU.” (Conference Program Booklet) The conference however will not only bring up the problems but also offer solutions to fixing the problems all religious minorities face. This is what make this conference so historic and unique. The list of speakers and panelists is by far one of the finest I have ever seen assembled to address this important issue.
The part of our delegation flying from JFK Airport met up with other members of the group at the airport in Europe. Of special significance as members of our delegation was the presence of Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey as well as Fr. Milton Efthimiou who served our church for many decades at our Holy Archdiocese in numerous positions but of importance for this pilgrimage his work with the Order of St. Andrew. From here the group was transported to the beautiful and historical Cathedral of the Archangels. Here His Eminence of Belgium Metropolitan Panteleimon along with four other priests and two deacons celebrated the Divine Liturgy with an overflowing crowd of faithful in attendance. Please see the videos and still pictures that were taken.
Audio of the Bus Tour
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Audio of the Welcome Speech of His Eminence Panteleimon
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Fr. Chris Speaks with Dr. Limberakis an an Intro to the Conference
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Liturgy at the Archangel Cathedral (Video Clips Below)
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From here we proceeded to a community center for a reception and presentation by the young people of the parish as they danced in ethnic costumes. I also spoke with two individuals recommended to me by His Eminence Metropolitan Panteleimon who shared some of the unique aspects of life of the Orthodox Christian living in Belgium. Of significance are the words of one of the fathers interviewed who told me his child was asked to declare her religion when she enrolled in school so that she could receive further instruction thus strengthening her faith. This is not something that takes place in Turkey today.
It was then that we checked into our hotel for a full nights rest. Tomorrow will be a very busy day including trips to the city of Brussels as well as a monastery about 80 miles outside of the city. In addition I will have the opportunity to speak to some of the speakers who will be checking into the hotel tomorrow. You will want to tell your relatives, friends and neighbors to tune in this week to learn more. A free and fully operating Ecumenical Patriarchate is a good for world Christendom. Pray for us and thank you for your continued support of these Travel Blogs.
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