Bulgarian Community in The Hague Considered Spiritual Home for Diaspora
A community member reported on faith, solidarity, and the significance of liturgy far from home.
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church in The Hague holds significance for numerous Bulgarians in the Netherlands that extends far beyond the religious framework. It offers not only spiritual support but also a piece of homeland feeling in a foreign land. Veselin Petkov, who has been active in the parish since 2013, describes the church as a place that brings people together and helps them anchor their faith in daily life. This was reported by BNRNews. The heart of parish life is the Divine Liturgy, from which the faithful draw spiritual strength, comfort, and inner balance for everyday life, according to his words. Participation in church life helps deal with burdensome thoughts and strengthen the relationship with God. At the same time, the parish is a place of encounter where cultural roots, language, and traditional customs are kept alive.
Even though the parish must cope with limited resources and organizational hurdles, the inner cohesion of the faithful remains unbroken. The dedication of the priests and the voluntary commitment of many members contribute decisively to maintaining and further developing church life. For numerous visitors, the church is therefore far more than a place of prayer; it is a space of hope, connection, and lived solidarity.
Previously, the UOJ reported that an Orthodox dialogue should be deepened and led to unity.
