St. Johannes Evangelist

Across the bustling Auguststraße, the St. Johannes-Evangelist-Kirche stands quietly. It’s a hidden gem nestled among the vibrant city life. The St. Johannes-Evangelist-Kirche isn’t your typical grand church. Built between 1898 and 1900, it’s tucked into the street, almost disguised as a regular building. The architect, Max Spitta, had a challenge. He had to design a church on a plot originally meant for a house. This constraint gave St. Johannes-Evangelist-Kirche its unique charm. The church is dedicated to John the Evangelist, not to be confused with John the Baptist. The name distinguishes this church’s dedication. Originally designed with a high, slate-covered roof turret, it was sadly lost during World War II. A wartime incendiary bomb struck the street-facing gable and the turret, leaving a scar on the building’s history. While the church was restored and re-inaugurated in 1957, the turret was never rebuilt. The interior of St. Johannes-Evangelist-Kirche offers a unique experience. Natural light floods the space through skylights, once adorned with colorful ornamental glass. These skylights, each five meters in diameter, illuminated three vaulted sections of the church. Imagine the play of light within the space, enhanced by a now-lost mosaic that once graced the apse. The interplay of light, color, and mosaic must have created a mystical atmosphere. The St. Johannes-Evangelist-Kirche has served various purposes throughout its history. After serving its congregation for many years, it became a book repository for Humboldt University. Later, it was a cultural hub, hosting exhibitions and concerts. Since 2017, the St. Johannes-Evangelist-Kirche has found new life as a home for the St. Georgios Antiochian Orthodox community. The building, once a Protestant church, now resonates with the traditions of the Antiochian Orthodox faith. An orthodox Ikonostase now stands in the altar area. The building has beautifully adapted to this new chapter in its life. The history of St. Johannes-Evangelist-Kirche is one of resilience. From wartime damage to changing roles, it has remained a steadfast presence in the heart of Berlin.