By Sotiris Letsios*
“Orthodoxy has firmly established its presence in Germany! A growing number of mixed marriages reflect a deliberate choice by parents to baptize their children within the Orthodox Church, actively engaging in its services. As a response to this dynamic, several services are now performed partially in the German language.” Bishop Emmanuel of Christoupolis, serving as the assistant bishop to the Metropolitan of Germany, as well as the hierarchical leader of the Greek Orthodox parish in Berlin, conveyed his optimistic outlook for the current state and future prospects of Orthodoxy in Germany. He highlighted the increasing interest in Orthodoxy, noting, “Currently, I am guiding a group of 25 individuals on their path to baptism. It’s important to emphasize that our approach is not about indoctrination. Our hearts and doors are open to anyone seeking to explore Orthodoxy. Many individuals, independently discovering Orthodoxy, share their experiences, expressing a profound connection that has touched their hearts.”
Berlin is currently home to around 24,000 Greeks, with many having migrated during the onset of the economic crisis in Greece. Additionally, numerous young individuals opt for Berlin to pursue their undergraduate or master’s studies. The Greek Orthodox parish is situated in the southwestern part of the city, centered around the Church of the Ascension of the Savior—a liturgical focal point for Berlin’s Greek community. The pandemic posed challenges for several parishes, witnessing signs of decline, and even after its conclusion, some faced difficulties returning to their prior routines. However, there is now an observable trend of recovery, both in Berlin and across Germany. In the Greek Orthodox parish of Berlin, significant congregations gather on major holidays and every Sunday.
“Despite the challenges we’ve encountered in recent years, our commitment is to reconstruct a spiritual and cultural hub that will cater to the diverse needs of our flourishing parish,” stated Bishop Emmanuel. Expanding on this vision, he elaborated, “This center, situated next to the church, will not only house event venues, a library, and spaces for youth activities but will also include two hostels. These hostels aim to accommodate Greek families arriving in Germany from Greece or Cyprus for medical procedures or treatments. Often, both patients and their accompanying family members face financial constraints during their stay in Germany. Significantly, one of the guesthouses will be designed to ensure accessible facilities for individuals with disabilities.”
This year’s Epiphany celebration in Berlin marked a significant occasion with the presence of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank Walter Steinmeier. The participation of President Steinmeier brought joy to the Greek community and pointed out the broad support for the Berlin parish, extending beyond the Orthodox faithful. Even among those not of the Orthodox faith, there exists a deep appreciation for the dedicated work carried out by those committed to serving Orthodoxy daily. Bishop Emmanuel highlights the substantial backing received from both prominent and ordinary Germans who actively demonstrate their love for Hellenic culture, thereby contributing to the parish’s strength.
Furthermore, the growing interest of German society in Orthodoxy is evident in the continuous guided tours held throughout the year at the Church of the Ascension of the Savior. People of various ages express curiosity about the Orthodox faith and tradition, participating in these tours where detailed information is shared, accompanied by responses to their questions.
The Greek Orthodox parish hosts its largest annual celebration during the Easter festivities, a collaborative effort that engages numerous volunteers. Additionally, each year concludes with a special commemoration of Saint Andrew, the founder of the Church of Constantinople, to which the Holy Metropolis of Germany belongs. This culminating event involves a concert featuring artists from diverse confessions and various countries, fostering dialogue between churches and cultures in the spirit of love and mutual respect. Collaborative efforts extend beyond these celebrations, with the parish engaging in events initiated by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, such as the September 1 environmental protection initiative. The Bishop expressed satisfaction, noting, “We feel that the issue of integration in Germany has been successful.”
*Republished by newspaper “Orthodoxi Alitheia” / Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
