FRG priest: Orthodoxy has a great future in Germany
Orthodoxy in Germany is increasingly finding its place in society – not as an alternative, but as a way of life, says Priest Mladen Janić, rector of a Serbian parish in Cologne.
Orthodoxy in Germany has a bright future, and the number of faithful attending churches is steadily growing. Priest Mladen Janić, rector of the Serbian parish of the Exaltation of the Honorable and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord in Cologne-Porz, in the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Düsseldorf and Germany, said this in an interview with the UOJ in Germany.
“I am glad that in this beautiful country there are more and more Orthodox believers who are present not only in the Church, but in all spheres of public life,” Father Mladen noted.
In his view, the beauty of Orthodox worship plays a special role, attracting attention and touching the hearts even of those who come out of curiosity. Today, the Divine Liturgy in German can be heard every Saturday in one of Cologne’s Orthodox churches, as well as in many other cities.
“I definitely see a bright future for Orthodoxy in Germany,” the priest said. He noted that Orthodox Christians of different nationalities in Cologne are already cooperating today: praying together, exchanging experience, and supporting one another. He believes this cooperation will only deepen in the future, because the faithful themselves desire it.
Asked why Germans convert to Orthodoxy, Father Mladen stressed that this happens not for external or self-serving reasons, but solely out of love for Christ. Modern people, he said, are looking for living faith, depth, authenticity, and the experience of communion with God, which they do not find in atheism or – to the same extent – in other Christian confessions. The priest said liturgical union with Christ through the Holy Gifts is especially important.
Father Mladen named authenticity and a living example – not social media – as the main means of drawing young people: “The Liturgy is the center; there, the encounter between God and man takes place.”
As an Easter message to readers, the Serbian priest emphasized: “Our hope is not that everything will become easier, but that Christ is alive. Our hope is not something; our hope is Someone.”
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Orthodox Christians in Germany had taken part in a March for Life in Munich.
