Whispers of faith echo through time. This is the OLV ten Hemelopneming church in Amsterdam. Its story begins not as a grand cathedral but as a humble chapel. It was attached to a Redemptorist monastery on Keizersgracht 218. This monastery was one of the first established in Holland after the Reformation. Its consecration was on November 5 1850. The cornerstone of the church was laid on April 18 1853. The dedication followed on November 21 1854.
The OLV ten Hemelopneming was never a parish church. Instead it served as a vital support for Amsterdam’s Catholic community. The Redemptorist Fathers used it to promote the emancipation of Catholics. They introduced devotions to Our Lady of Perpetual Help and the Sacred Heart. These attracted many worshippers. The church was known for its solemn celebrations and rich decorations. For many years it was even Amsterdam’s main confessional church.
But times changed. The number of Redemptorist priests dwindled. In 1984 both the church and monastery were sold. The Syrian Orthodox Church bought the OLV ten Hemelopneming in 1985. They couldn’t afford the monastery. That went to a real estate company.
The transfer brought a new chapter to the OLV ten Hemelopneming. It became the ‘Mother Church of God’ in Syrian Orthodox tradition. Remarkably the Syrian Orthodox continued to allow Catholic worship. This led to a unique harmony. Catholics Surinamese Catholics and the Syrian Orthodox community all use the church. Cooperation between the three groups is excellent. The church’s interior remains unchanged. It suits both the Catholic and Syrian Orthodox liturgies. Since this rebirth church attendance has grown among all three groups.
The OLV ten Hemelopneming wasn’t spared from the ravages of time. Inspections in 1989 and 1990 revealed significant damage from moisture. The roof and facades were in poor condition. There were safety concerns for both churchgoers and passersby. Extensive restoration became necessary. Work began on January 17 1994. A special computer technique was used to restore the wall and ceiling paintings. The restoration was finished in late 1996 or early 1997. The OLV ten Hemelopneming stands as a testament to faith resilience and cooperation. It continues to serve as a vibrant spiritual center in the heart of Amsterdam.