Religious Heritage in the Diaspora – 27 March in Utrecht

On 27 March, a unique symposium will take place in Museum Catharijneconvent, exploring how Eastern and Oriental Christian traditions find a new home in the Netherlands. The event is organised by the Platform Oosters Christendom in collaboration with the museum.

In recent years, the number of Eastern Christian believers in the Netherlands has grown due to migration from regions where these traditions originate. As a result, new church communities have emerged, while others have joined already existing congregations. Over time, these communities have found their place within Dutch society, often maintaining their traditions and rituals while also adapting to their new cultural context.

The symposium Religious Heritage in the Diaspora brings together scholars, clergy, and cultural practitioners for a day of dialogue, learning, and exchange.

What to expect ✨

Participants can look forward to a diverse programme, including:

🎤 Inspiring presentations

• Mor Polycarpus Augin Aydin (Syriac Orthodox Church) on the beauty of calligraphy
• Heleen Murre-van den Berg on religious books and diaspora communities
• Matay de Mayee who will introduce participants to the flavours of the Suryoye kitchen
• Father Antonios Tarlizos on musical traditions in the Greek Orthodox faith

💬 Roundtable discussion on the shared use and future of church buildings, with experts from organisations such as SKIN, Stichting Kerkelijk Geldbeheer, and researchers working on living religious heritage.

⛪ Visit to a Greek Orthodox church in Utrecht, followed by a discussion about cooperation and the use of religious spaces.

🥗 Lunch and closing reception, offering the perfect opportunity to meet other participants and continue the conversation.

Practical information

📅 Date: Friday, 27 March 2026

📍 Location: Museum Catharijneconvent

🕙 Time: 10:00 – 17:00

💶 Participation fee:

• €25 per person
• €50 for organisations

  (Including lunch, drinks, and a publication featuring portraits of Eastern Christian churches in the Netherlands.)

📧 Registration: info@oosterschristendom.nl

🔗 More information:

https://www.oosterschristendom.nl/nederland/symposium-religieus-erfgoed-in-de-diaspora-2/

This symposium offers a unique opportunity to discover the rich heritage of Eastern Christian communities, exchange perspectives, and reflect on the role of religious traditions in a changing society.