A quiet strength emanates from the Farní sbor Českobratrské církve evangelické. This is not just a building. It is a testament to faith, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Protestantism in the Czech lands.
Let’s delve into the story of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren. It is the largest Czech Protestant church. It ranks second only to the Catholic Church in size within the Czech Republic.
Its roots run deep. They intertwine with the very fabric of Czech history. The Reformation in this region began in the 15th century. This predates Luther’s Reformation by a century. Back then, most Czechs were Protestant. That’s about 85% of the population. Two main Protestant churches existed. There was the Utraquist Hussite Church and the Unity of the Brethren.
A significant shift occurred in 1620. Non-Catholic churches faced a ban. This followed the defeat of the Bohemian Revolt. The ruling Habsburgs enforced strict Counter-Reformation measures. However, the Patent of Toleration in 1781 offered some relief. It permitted Lutheran and Calvinist churches. Full equality for Protestants came later. This was in 1867 with the creation of Austria-Hungary.
The Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren emerged in 1918. It united Lutheran and Calvinist churches in Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia. It saw itself as a successor to the Unity of the Brethren. This also included the broader Bohemian Reformation.
In its early days, the ECCB boasted around 250,000 members. By 1938, that number grew to 325,000. Today, the church is organized into 14 seniorates. It has about 250 congregations and roughly 100,000 members. A six-member Synodal Council leads the church. They are elected for six-year terms. The Synodal Senior and Synodal Curator represent the church.
The Farní sbor Českobratrské církve evangelické in Prague 6 – Dejvice is a vital part of this larger story. It is a local congregation. It embodies the values and traditions of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren. You can reach them at 737 517 413, 777 213 718, 730 596 057, or 739 246 347. You can also email them at dejvice@evangnet.cz.
The church’s current leaders include Mgr. Alexandra Jacobea and Mgr. Magdaléna Trgalová. Both serve as farářka or female pastors. Jan Mašek is the kurátor, a lay leader.
So, as you stand before the Farní sbor Českobratrské církve evangelické remember its place in a long and complex history. It is a story of faith, unity, and perseverance. It is a story etched in the very stones of this building.