Orthodox Christianity to Be Taught in Dutch Public Schools for the First Time – GreekReporter.com

For the first time in Dutch history, Orthodox Christianity will be taught in public schools as part of the national curriculum, beginning with the 2025–2026 school year. This groundbreaking development reflects the growing recognition of Orthodox believers within the Netherlands and marks a major step toward religious inclusivity in the education system.
The initiative is being rolled out through OrthodoxopSchool.nl, which is working closely with the Dutch Ministry of Education. The program will run as a three-year pilot and target primary school students aged 6 to 12. Each class will consist of weekly, 45-minute sessions, and can begin when at least three students express interest.
This effort follows the Dutch government’s decision to classify Orthodox Christianity as the nation’s eighth official religious group, a move that also opened the door for Orthodox chaplains to serve in military and correctional institutions.
THE HAGUE — Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, children in the Netherlands will be able to study Orthodox Christianity in public schools, marking the first time the faith has been formally included in the national education system. pic.twitter.com/FcbfhwFnGA
— UOJ – America (@UOJ_America) November 12, 2025

The Orthodoxe Zendende Instantie is in charge of preparing teachers for the classroom. Applicants must meet several criteria: a theology degree, a valid teaching license, and Dutch language skills at B2 proficiency or above.
So far, only two teachers have completed this accreditation path, but recruitment and training efforts are ongoing. A methodological council is also in development to help shape the program and ensure quality instruction.
The Orthodox Episcopal Conference of Benelux has welcomed the initiative, emphasizing its importance for bridging religious education and the public school system.
Church leaders see the pilot program as an opportunity to strengthen cultural understanding and provide students with a deeper knowledge of Orthodox Christian traditions. This development aligns with broader conversations across Europe about the role of religion in schools.
Similar efforts, including calls to safeguard religious studies made by Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria, reflect a wider push to keep faith-based learning available in public education settings.
The introduction of Orthodox Christianity classes in Dutch schools signals a meaningful step toward honoring this commitment within a modern, secular framework.
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