NETHERLANDS OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZES ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, parents in the Netherlands can register children aged 6 to 12 for Orthodox Christian religion classes organized in public state schools through a three year pilot program.
For Orthodox Christian religion classes to take place, there must be at least three pupils within the same school who express their wish to participate. The head teacher is required to contact the Centre for Formational Education (Het Centrum voor Vormingsonderwijs), which intermediates relations between schools, the Ministry of Education, and the officially recognized denominations.
This possibility exists because the Orthodox Christian denomination is officially recognized as the eighth denomination at the national level in the Netherlands, which gives Orthodox believers access to religious assistance in the army and in prisons. The Orthodox Christian religion class will take place once a week, for 45 minutes, during school hours.
The Orthodox Sending Authority (Orthodoxe Zendende Instantie) is responsible for accrediting teachers who wish to teach Orthodox Christian religious education in Dutch schools. Applicants must hold a degree from an Orthodox Faculty of Theology and have completed the Level I psycho pedagogical module, possess a Dutch language competence certificate (minimum level B2), and have at least two years of teaching experience. Participation in a special training session is also required. Teachers trained in Romania may also teach, provided they are proficient in Dutch.
At the most recent meeting of OKiN (the Orthodox Church in the Netherlands), held under the chairmanship of His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras, Greek Metropolitan of Belgium and Exarch of the Netherlands and Luxembourg (Ecumenical Patriarchate), representatives of all Orthodox Churches agreed on the first concrete steps for organizing the religion class in primary schools, emphasizing promotion in parishes and outreach to families.
The introduction of Orthodox Christian religion classes in schools in the Netherlands has been welcomed by the Orthodox Episcopal Conference of Benelux, which praised the "favourable development in this area" and highlighted the importance of cooperation between the Church and educational institutions.
Father Ion Iuga, the representative of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of Western and Southern Europe in the OKiN Consultative Council, told Basilica.ro, "Alongside the joy of this fine beginning, we have become aware of the challenges inherent in any pioneering work. There will be a need for a great deal of information at the parish level, for identifying and preparing teaching staff, and for drafting an adapted methodology, but above all, awareness from parents and children regarding the need for this religion class will be required."
Father Iuga also addressed the current social context: "Our Christians often accuse Dutch society of secularization, libertinism, atheism. Yet, many times, accusation becomes an excuse for allowing ourselves to be tempted by the same things. That is why the religion class calls for consciously assuming a choice. For them, it may become a barometer of their own spiritual values in a world where they increasingly need authentic reference points."
For more details, parents can visit www.orthodoxopschool.nl.
THE CRUSADER'S OPINION
The Netherlands just officially recognized Orthodox Christianity in public schools.
Eight hundred years of Orthodox presence in the West finally acknowledged.
Parents can register their children for weekly Orthodox instruction during school hours.
While secularism dominates Western Europe, the Netherlands creates space for ancient Christian faith.
The Dutch understand something most Western nations forgot.
Religious liberty means making room for faith, not erasing it.
Orthodox Christians get the same recognition as Catholics and Protestants.
Teachers must have theology degrees and speak Dutch.
Standards matter.
This isn't feel good multiculturalism.
This is formal recognition that Orthodox Christianity belongs in Europe.
TAKE ACTION
1. Register your children: If you live in the Netherlands and have school age children, visit www.orthodoxopschool.nl to register for Orthodox Christian classes.
2. Share this model: Post this article to show how Western nations can accommodate traditional Christianity in public education without compromising standards.
3. Orthodox Church in the Netherlands: Support OKiN's work establishing these programs. Contact them through your local Orthodox parish.
4. Pray for expansion: Intercede for this pilot program to succeed and expand beyond the initial three year period.
5. Advocate in your country: Contact educational authorities and ask why Orthodox Christianity isn't recognized in public schools if you live in a nation with Orthodox populations.
