Beneath the twin bells, can you sense the history of faith resonating? This is the Kirche der Heiligen Apostel in Dortmund. It is a vibrant center for the Greek Orthodox community. Let’s delve into its story.
The Kirche der Heiligen Apostel’s story is deeply connected to Germany’s post-war era. Specifically, it is tied to the 1960 recruitment agreement between Germany and Greece. This agreement brought many Greek workers to the Ruhr region. Dortmund became home to a significant Greek population. In 1961, Archimandrite Ánthimos Drakonákis made a pivotal decision. He resolved to establish a Greek Orthodox community in Dortmund.
Interestingly, the Kirche der Heiligen Apostel may be the first Greek Orthodox parish founded due to the arrival of guest workers. Before this, Greek Orthodox churches primarily existed in areas with long-established merchant communities. For example, places where Greeks had lived for over 200 years.
The church itself doesn’t own its building. Since 1968, the Gemeinde Heilige Apostel has used a center owned by the Evangelical Church. It is located on Luisenstraße 17 in Dortmund. Over the years, the interior has been adorned with Byzantine iconography. Even the seating features Byzantine symbols. Look for the double-headed eagle. It symbolizes the Palaiologos dynasty. Also, look for the Christogram.
In 2013, the exterior was transformed. It now boasts a more traditionally Orthodox appearance. Before that, it was simple. The transformation began in 2011 and concluded with a celebration on May 9, 2013.
Notably, the main entrance shifted from the north to the east side of the Kirche der Heiligen Apostel. Above the entrance, a Christus icon was installed. The windows now feature semi-circular arches.
The Kirche der Heiligen Apostel serves a large community. Besides Dortmund, it includes Bochum and Witten. It also encompasses Holzwickede and Menden. Menden’s church members were assigned to Dortmund in 2009. Members in Castrop-Rauxel are cared for by the Greek Orthodox parish in Herten.
In January 2009, a mosaic was placed before the entrance to the sanctuary. This mosaic is a copy from the Palace of Constantinople. It depicts an eagle battling a snake.
The Kirche der Heiligen Apostel has had several key leaders. Tilémachos Margarítis led the community from the end of 1964 to 2006. Since October 2006, Archimandrite Dr. Filótheos Maroúdas has been in charge.
The Kirche der Heiligen Apostel stands as a testament to faith. It is also a symbol of the Greek community’s integration into Dortmund. Its walls hold stories of immigration, adaptation, and devotion. As you leave, remember the eagle and the snake. They represent the ongoing struggle between good and evil. This battle is not just in Constantinople. It is also in our hearts.