“Mother Church of God” is another name for it. The Onze Lieve Vrouwe van Goede Raad has a fascinating story. It involves Catholics, Syrian Orthodox believers and a shared space.
Let’s step back in time to the mid-19th century. The Redemptorist Fathers established a monastery on Keizersgracht. This was a significant event. It was one of the first monasteries founded in Holland after the Reformation. In 1850, the monastery was consecrated. Soon after, the Redemptorists started building a chapel next to their monastery. The first stone of what would become the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk was laid in 1853. By 1854, the church was dedicated.
The Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk quickly became important. It wasn’t a parish church. Instead, it served as a general auxiliary church. The Redemptorist Fathers used it to promote Catholic emancipation. They also encouraged devotions. These included honoring Our Lady of Perpetual Help and the Sacred Heart.
These practices drew large crowds. People were attracted by the solemn celebrations and rich decorations. For many Catholic Amsterdam residents, the church offered vital spiritual support. For years, the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk was Amsterdam’s confessional church.
But times change. Amsterdam experienced a decline in religious life. The number of Redemptorist fathers dwindled. So they decided to end their work on Keizersgracht. In 1984, both the church and monastery were sold.
In 1985, the Syrian Orthodox Church bought the church. They renamed it the “Mother Church of God.” However, they opened the church to Catholic worship. Today, the Onze Lieve Vrouwe van Goede Raad is used by three communities. These are the Syrian Orthodox Church, the Catholic community, and Surinamese Catholics.
This cooperation is remarkable. Because the church suits both Catholic and Syrian Orthodox liturgies, its interior has remained unchanged. The number of people attending services has grown. This is true for Syrian Orthodox, Catholics, and Surinamese worshippers.
The Onze Lieve Vrouwe van Goede Raad faced challenges. Years of moisture damaged the structure. The roof and facades were in poor condition. Restoration work began in 1994.
A special computer technique was used. It restored the wall and ceiling paintings. Photos of the original scenes were used to create templates. These templates allowed workers to repaint the vaults and walls accurately. The restoration was completed in the late 1990s.
The Onze Lieve Vrouwe van Goede Raad stands as a testament to faith. It represents community and cooperation. It is a place where different traditions come together in harmony. It has stood here since 1854. It continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.