Metropolitan Athenagoras celebrates Dormition Feast in Houthalen | Orthodox Times (en)

The Feast of the Dormition and Translation of the Most Holy Theotokos was celebrated with solemnity in the Metropolis of Belgium and Exarchate of the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

The main celebrations took place at the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Houthalen, where Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, joined by clergy from neighboring parishes.

At the conclusion of Matins, Metropolitan Athenagoras bestowed the rank of Archimandrite upon Hieromonk Adamantios Karfis, parish priest of the celebrating community.

In his homily, the Metropolitan reflected on the enduring presence of the Theotokos in the lives of the faithful. He noted that while death ordinarily brings sorrow, the Church celebrates the Dormition with joy because the Mother of God, having been translated to heaven, continues to intercede with her Son for all humanity.

He described the Theotokos as a “living hope” for Christians amid the difficulties and trials of earthly life and as their constant protection on the path toward salvation.

Following the Divine Liturgy, a reception was held at the nearby Greek Community hall. The celebrations concluded with traditional Greek dances performed by the MESSEMA dance group of the Greek Community of Houthalen.