Munich hosts jubilee conference to mark 100th anniversary of ROCOR German Diocese

Opening of the anniversary conference at Blutenburg Castle (in the photo on the left: Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York during his speech). Photo: UOJ

On May 6, 2026, a conference dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the German Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) was solemnly opened at Blutenburg Castle in Munich. The UOJ in Germany reports that the event brought together hierarchs, clergy, and guests from various Orthodox Churches who gathered to honor the historical and spiritual significance of the jubilee.

The celebrations began with a concert of liturgical chants. The forum was officially opened by the First Hierarch of ROCOR, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York. In his speech, he called the centennial jubilee of the diocese a living testimony of love for God and connection to native roots. His Grace emphasized that the meeting in Munich is not simply a look into the past, but also an opportunity to strengthen faith and fraternal communion in the modern world.

Metropolitan Mark of Berlin and Germany characterized ROCOR as "a Church that transcends any boundaries" and noted that current political complexities do not reflect society's real attitude toward believers. The metropolitan pointed to the deep rootedness of Orthodoxy in Germany and called upon the flock for more zealous prayer and active participation in prayer services.

During the conference, greetings were conveyed by sister Churches, particularly by Metropolitan Seraphim of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Germany, Luxembourg and Austria, who highly praised cooperation with ROCOR in preserving the faith.

A historical retrospective was presented by Archpriest Nicholas Artemov: he spoke about the diocese's journey from the first "barrack churches" of the migration period.

The main report was delivered by Bishop Job of Stuttgart, who refuted the opinion about the "foreignness" of Orthodoxy for Germans. According to him, through decades of missionary work, the Orthodox tradition has become native to Germany.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the 100th anniversary of the German Diocese of ROCOR was prayerfully commemorated in Munich.

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