Clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church’s dioceses in Germany hold joint pastoral assembly in Krefeld

DECR Communication Service, 06/10/2025

On 2^nd – 3^rd October 2025, the Diocese of Berlin and Germany of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate and the German Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia held a joint pastoral assembly in the city of Krefeld.

The first session took place on 2^nd October. The opening speeches were delivered by Archbishop Tikhon of Ruza, administrator of the Diocese of Berlin and Germany, and Bishop Job of Stuttgart (Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia).

The participants in the meeting heard reports titled: “The Relevance of the Council of Nicaea for Pastoral Work in Germany,” “The Council of Nicaea as Foundation of Church Unity in Orthodox Diaspora,” and “Rights of Parents and Duties of Children in Germany,” which were followed by discussion, website of the Diocese of Berlin and Germany reports.

On 3^rd October, the commemoration day of the Synaxis of the Saints Who Shone Forth in the German Land, Archbishop Tikhon of Ruza and Bishop Job of Stuttgart officiated at the Divine Liturgy in the Church of St Barbara. Concelebrating with them were clerics of both dioceses.

After the Communion Verse, Rev. Roman Bannak delivered a sermon on the saints of the German land. He said, in particular: “Sainthood is not limited by either ethnicity or language, but unites the East and the West, the North and the South, for there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism (Eph 4:5). Through the German saints, we have a tangible experience of the unity of the Church of Christ, which is universal and undivided. They remind us that holiness is not something that belongs to one nation or culture; it is the fruit of the Holy Spirit, Who blows where it wills (Jn 3:8). Therefore, our task is to take heed of the voice of the saints, pray for the German land and ask the saints, pleasing unto God, to intercede for us. And in these troubled times it is especially important to remember that the saints are near and their prayers fortify and protect us.”

The Liturgy was followed by the second session of the pastoral assembly. The addresses delivered during the meeting were titled: “The Sacrament of Confession – Problems and Solutions in Modern Practice,” and “Ecclesiology: The Boundaries of the Church and Their Practical Significance.”

As the final communique says, the assembled clerics had the opportunity to address their questions to the hierarchs and discuss topical issues of pastoral practice and diocesan life.

Summing up the diocesan and pastoral assembly, Archbishop Tikhon expressed satisfaction with the work accomplished and thanked all the organizers for their efficient and good work.

To conclude the event, a pilgrimage took place to the Kamp Monastery in the town of Kamp-Lintfort, where a prayer service was held at the relics of the Holy Martyr Agatha.

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Clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church’s dioceses in Germany hold joint pastoral assembly in Krefeld

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons