Could you imagine this former Protestant church now echoing with Serbian Orthodox chants? That is the Serbisch-orthodoxe Christi-Auferstehungs-Kirche. This church stands in Berlin’s Tempelhof neighborhood. It represents a unique blend of history and faith.
Originally, the building served as the Wegekirche. Max Schluckebier designed it for the Zinzendorf-Gemeinde. The church was inaugurated on September 23 1956. For years it was a place of gathering for the local Protestant community.
In 2008 a significant transition occurred. The Zinzendorf-Gemeinde merged with other local congregations. The building was sold to the Serbian Orthodox community. This marked a new chapter for the church. Berlin became the first German city with two Serbian Orthodox churches. The Serbisch-orthodoxe Christi-Auferstehungs-Kirche became a vital center for Serbian Orthodox Christians. It is part of the Eparchy of Düsseldorf and all of Germany.
The Serbisch-orthodoxe Christi-Auferstehungs-Kirche has undergone renovations. These changes accommodate Orthodox worship. A beautiful Ikonostase was installed in 2011. Dragoslav Milikić crafted it from carved walnut wood. The Ikonen were painted in Belgrade. Petar Bilić’s workshop created these icons.
The church cherishes relics of Saint Nikolaj Srpski. Believers highly revere Saint Nikolaj. The local community made a film about his life.
The church supports the Serafimi choir. This mixed choir has 25 members. They sing during Sunday liturgies. The choir also performs Orthodox concerts in Berlin. Simeon Sekulić conducts the Serafimi choir.
The Serbisch-orthodoxe Christi-Auferstehungs-Kirche is home to the Serbian School Sv. Sava Srpski. The school teaches Serbian language and culture. Students learn Serbian Orthodox church music.
The church’s bell tower is an open steel-concrete frame. Two iron bells reside in the tower. Franz Weeren cast these bells in 1956.
The larger bell bears the inscription: “HEUTE, SO IHR DEINE STIMME HÖRET, SO VERSTOCKET EUER HERZ NICHT.” This translates to “TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.” The smaller bell reads: “O, LAND, LAND, LAND HÖRE DES HERRN WORT.” This means “O, LAND, LAND, LAND HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD.”
The Serbisch-orthodoxe Christi-Auferstehungs-Kirche stands as a testament to faith. It also embodies community and cultural preservation. It welcomes all who seek spiritual enrichment.