The 25th Meeting of Eastern Catholic Bishops of Europe, held in Oradea, Romania, from 16 to 19 September 2024, has concluded. An event that brought together sixty bishops and priests from various European countries, all united by the reflection on a crucial theme for the contemporary Church: “The relationship between bishop and priests – fraternity and humanity. Synod on synodality.”
This meeting, under the auspices of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), was hosted by HE Virgil Bercea, Bishop of the Greek Catholic Eparchy of Oradea, and was attended by leading figures of the Eastern and Latin Catholic Church, including Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Oriental Churches, and Msgr. Giampiero Gloder, Apostolic Nuncio to Romania and Moldova.
In the current context, characterized by conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and humanitarian challenges related to the refugee crisis, fraternity between bishops and priests emerged as a central theme. The importance of strengthening ecclesial communion was discussed, especially for Eastern Catholic communities present in the diaspora. The reflection had a strong connection with the next Synod of Bishops, which will be held in the Vatican from 2 to 27 October 2024.
The meeting also had a strong reference to historical memory, being celebrated five years after the beatification of the Romanian Greek-Catholic bishops who died for their faith during the communist regime. The sacrifice of these martyrs, known as the “saints of prisons,” was evoked as an example of courage and faith, a source of inspiration to face the challenges of the present.
Priestly fraternity was at the center of the discussions, as Cardinal Mureșan, Major Archbishop of the Romanian Greek-Catholic Church, emphasized in a special greeting sent for the occasion. The importance of communion between bishops and priests, experienced through mutual support, trust and forgiveness, was reaffirmed. “The fraternity between bishops and priests is a service to all humanity,” said one of the participants, highlighting how this bond must be based on Trinitarian love and the centrality of prayer and liturgy.
In this context, it was also highlighted how the new generations of priests face modern problems such as emotional distance and depression, making a relationship of closeness and human support among members of the clergy even more essential. Bishops and priests, it was said, must be points of reference for the faithful, guiding them to live a life of communion and service, challenging the drifts of secularization and moral relativism.
The meeting took place in an atmosphere of prayer and reflection, with culminating moments in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, which was described as “the source of our peace and unity.” Interfaith dialogue was another central theme, with the participation of representatives of the different Christian communities of Oradea, including Orthodox bishops and civil leaders.
In a Europe marked by serious political, social and religious crises, the Eastern Catholic bishops reaffirmed their commitment to building bridges of unity and solidarity, so that the Church can continue to be a living witness to the Gospel of Christ. The meeting offered a valuable opportunity to strengthen the ties between the Eastern Catholic Churches and reflect on how to face together the challenges of the future.
The next meeting will be held in Vienna, Austria, in September 2025. A further step on the path of brotherhood and unity which, as stated during the meeting, is the beating heart of ecclesial life.