Paroisse des Saints Silouane l’Athonite et Martin des Tours – Parochie van de Heiligen Silouan en Martinus

Hidden in plain sight on Rue de Bosnie sits the Paroisse des Saints Silouane l’Athonite et Martin des Tours. This unassuming building holds a captivating story of resilience and rebirth. The Paroisse des Saints Silouane l’Athonite et Martin des Tours began its journey within a group yearning for the pre-schism Christianity of 1054. This group, initially under the Romanian Patriarchate, faced isolation. They lacked communion with other Orthodox churches. This eventually led to their exclusion in 1993. A pivotal moment arrived on January 28, 1995. The group split. Some remained with the Romanian Patriarchate, while others, led by Father Bart D’Huyvetter, sought refuge with Metropolitan Panteleimon of Belgium. They found acceptance, officially joining the Archdiocese of Belgium on December 17, 1995. The journey of the Paroisse des Saints Silouane l’Athonite et Martin des Tours was not without its challenges. The search for a permanent home led them from Roman Catholic churches to rented workshops and homes. Their hopes were raised when they considered two buildings on Rue de Bosnie. One was a residence, the other housed workshops. However, the cost seemed insurmountable. On Pentecost, June 2, 1996, a spark ignited. The idea of purchasing a building was presented to the faithful. A wave of generosity swept through the parishioners. Small donations, regular contributions, and even anonymous loans poured in. Support came not only from within the parish but also from Roman Catholic organizations in Belgium. The dream began to materialize. A sales agreement was signed on October 26, 1996, followed by the final purchase on February 20, 1997. Renovations commenced swiftly on March 1, 1997. Icons were placed on April 19. The altar was inaugurated. On Palm Sunday, April 20, 1997, the first Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Emmanuel of Reghion. Further work continued, including the iconography of the apse. On Saturday, October 3, Metropolitan Panteleimon, along with Bishop Emmanuel, inaugurated the church. The Paroisse des Saints Silouane l’Athonite et Martin des Tours found its home. Years later, another turning point arrived. Deacon Thierry Verhelst and some followers decided to return to the ECOF, now part of the Coptic Church. This created a void, but the parish remained resilient. In 2006, Father Bart D’Huyvetter retired. Athanase De Theux, living in Romania, was called upon to lead. He accepted, returning to Belgium in October 2006, ordained as a deacon on December 17, 2006, and as a priest on February 2, 2007. Today, the Paroisse des Saints Silouane l’Athonite et Martin des Tours continues to thrive. It serves as a beacon of French-speaking Orthodox tradition, a place where the spiritual life of Orthodoxy flourishes. The Paroisse des Saints Silouane l’Athonite et Martin des Tours stands as a testament to faith, perseverance, and the power of community.