France, December 30, 2025
Photo: orthodoxie.com
The number of Orthodox churches in France has increased by 36% between 2010 and 2024, rising from 235 to 320 locations, according to a new study based on data from the Assembly of Orthodox Bishops of France (AEOF).
The Orthodox clergy also grew by 40% during this period, from 290 to 406 members, with the number of priests increasing by 37% and deacons by 57%, reports Orthodoxie.
The growth has been driven primarily by massive immigration following Romania's entry into the EU in 2007. The Romanian jurisdiction now accounts for 37.5% of all Orthodox structures in France, having nearly doubled its presence with a 94% increase from 62 to 120 places of worship. The Romanian Orthodox also maintain 12 of the 28 monasteries in France, representing 43% of the total monastic communities.
Other jurisdictions showing significant growth include the Georgian Orthodox Church, which increased by 300% from 1 to 4 locations, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia with a 29% increase, the Serbian Orthodox Church with 20% growth, and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church with 33% growth. In contrast, the Greek Metropolis of the Patriarchate of Constantinople declined by 7%, likely due to the aging of earlier Greek immigrant populations and assimilation of French-born generations.
The study, conducted by Fr. Jivko Panev using the AEOF directory published by Cantauque Monastery, estimates that there are now approximately 700,000 Orthodox faithful in France as of 2025. Alongside demographic growth, a progressive Francization is occurring, with French-language parishes increasing by 52% from 92 to 140 during the study period. By 2024, 44% of parishes were francophone, up from 39% in 2010, while 81% of all parishes now use French either exclusively or bilingually.
The Orthodox presence in France is divided among ten canonical jurisdictions, each dependent on a different autocephalous Patriarchate. This multi-jurisdictional structure reflects the waves of Orthodox immigration to France throughout the 20th century. The study notes that this expansion stands in stark contrast to declining religious practice among French Catholics and historic Protestant churches during the same period.
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