GERMAN DIOCESE: 2 May, 2026
Celebrations dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the German Diocese

Celebrations dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the German Diocese
The German Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia marked the centenary of its establishment with a solemn Liturgy. On Friday, May 1, 2026, the cathedral service was led by His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside OF Russia, along with all the hierarchs of ROCOR, as well as His Eminence Metropolitan Peter of Prespa and Pelagonia (Macedonian Orthodox Church) and His Eminence Archbishop Tikhon of Ruza, Administrator of the German Diocese of the Moscow Patriarchate, Archimandrite Roman (Krassovsky), Chief of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem (ROCOR), the sacristan of the cathedral in Munich, Archpriest Nikolai Artemoff, and about 100 priests and deacons of the German Diocese and clerical guests from around the world.

During Liturgy, a special memorial litany was offered, in which all deceased hierarchs, priests, and leaders of the German diocese were commemorated.

During the minor entrance, for 45 years of service to the Church and the diocese, Fr Nikolai was granted the right to wear a second pectoral cross. Also, for many years of service, Archpriest Josif Vavniuk and Archpriest Sergiy Manoshkin were granted the right to wear a mitre.

At the end of the service, the Primate addressed those gathered with an archpastoral sermon. First of all, he congratulated his fellow hierarch — His Eminence Metropolitan Mark of Berlin and Germany, as well as the Vicar of the German diocese, Bishop Job, and all who labor for the good of the diocese. Metropolitan Nicholas expressed special gratitude to Metropolitan Mark for his example, kindness, and for preserving and passing on the spiritual heritage of the diocese.

Metropolitan Nicholas emphasized that the German diocese, throughout its century-long service, strengthens the people in faith and educates the youth in the Orthodox tradition. He noted that the hierarchs of the Church always strive to act virtuously. "Our task is to understand that God is with us; realizing this, our task is to bring something of ourselves and return it to God, as our ancestors did."

He also called to remember those who dedicated themselves to preserving the Church and church life, raising children, and maintaining the sanctity of Holy Rus. According to him, the current generation was given a great heritage that has been preserved, and now the main task is to pass this precious legacy on to future generations for the glory of God and for the salvation of people.

Then Metropolitan Mark addressed the audience with words of welcome. He expressed gratitude for the visit of the hierarchs and for holding the Council of Bishops in the German Diocese, emphasizing: 'It is a great honor to serve together and to celebrate the centenary of our diocese.' Metropolitan Mark noted that the German diocese has historically been closely connected with Russia, sharing both the severe trials and the joys of its fate. He also highlighted the significance of the fact that not only hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad participated in the celebrations, but also representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate and the Macedonian Church.

Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America presented Metropolitan Mark with an icon of the righteous Olga of Alaska containing a particle of her relics.

For her warm hospitality and contribution to the organization and conduct of the Council, Abbess Maria (Sidiropoulou), the abbess of the convent in Buchendorf near Munich, was awarded the Order of the Kursk-Root Icon. For supporting the German diocese and the generous assistance provided to the Hierarchal Council, Protodeacon Vadim Novinsky was awarded the Synodal Kursk-Root Order of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, 2nd degree.

The fellowship of the Primate, archpastors, clergy, and worshipers continued over the festive meal.