Beneath the surface of Buenos Aires beats a unique faith. It is a faith embodied by the Nueva Iglesia Apostólica. This church on Avenida Caseros is more than just a building. It is a testament to a global community.
The Nueva Iglesia Apostólica is part of the New Apostolic Church. This church has roots in a schism within the Catholic Apostolic Church in Hamburg Germany. The New Apostolic Church considers itself a continuation of the Early Church. Its leaders see themselves as successors to the original twelve apostles.
The Iglesia Nueva Apostólica uses INA as its abbreviation in Spanish. NAC is used in English. NAK is used in German.
The New Apostolic Church emerged from a desire to restore the Universal Church. They wanted to bring it back to its perfect state. This perfection they believed would ensure Christ’s return.
The break from the Catholic Apostolic Church occurred when prophet Heinrich Geyer called Rudolf Rosochaki to be an apostle. This happened in 1862. The English apostles did not accept callings in private. This led to the formation of the Allgemeine Apostolische Mission in 1863.
The New Apostolic Church’s doctrines are similar to mainstream Christianity. Its liturgy resembles Protestantism. Its organization is comparable to the Roman Catholic Church. A core belief is the Second Coming of Christ.
In February 2025 Apostle Pedro Ramis led three divine services in Mendoza Argentina. The faithful of Eldorado KM 28 celebrated their church’s 80th anniversary on February 8 2025. Apostle Néstor Manzelli and Bishop Javier Ávalos joined the celebration.
Carmen Viayano called the Iglesia Central “marvelous”. She highlighted its incredible choir. She also praised its enormous organ. She noted the peace found within the special place. Mario Conti simply said “Muy linda”. This translates to very beautiful.
The New Apostolic Church emphasizes personal accountability. Members are responsible to God for their actions. The gospel and the Ten Commandments guide them. The church remains politically neutral. It is financed by voluntary donations.
The New Apostolic Church knows three sacraments. They are Holy Baptism with water Holy Communion and Holy Sealing. Holy Baptism is part of spiritual rebirth. It is a prerequisite for receiving the Holy Spirit. Holy Communion commemorates Christ’s sacrificial death. Holy Sealing dispenses the Holy Spirit through prayer. It also uses the laying on of hands by an apostle.
Services at the Nueva Iglesia Apostólica include music and prayer. The sermon is central. It interprets biblical texts. Holy Communion is also an important part of the service. It symbolizes unity with Christ.
The church’s emblem features a white Latin cross. It hovers above stylized waves on a blue background. The sun rises with ten rays. The cross represents Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. The water symbolizes Holy Baptism. The sun symbolizes Holy Sealing.
The Nueva Iglesia Apostólica in Buenos Aires stands as a symbol of faith community and history. It welcomes all who seek peace and spiritual connection. It is a reminder of the enduring power of faith in a changing world.