Munich, May 4, 2026
Met. Mark of Germany (L), Met. Nicholas, First Hierarch of ROCOR (R). Photo: synod.com
The German Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) marked its centennial with a solemn Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the New Martyrs of Russia in Munich on Friday, May 1. The celebration brought together hierarchs from several Orthodox jurisdictions and was preceded by the opening of a Council of Bishops session on April 29.
His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of ROCOR, led the service alongside all ROCOR bishops. Also concelebrating were His Eminence Metropolitan Peter of Prespa and Pelagonia from the Macedonian Orthodox Church-Ohrid Archbishopric and His Eminence Archbishop Tikhon of Ruzsky, administrator of the German Diocese of the Moscow Patriarchate, ROCOR reports.
Photo: synod.com
Approximately 100 priests and deacons from the German Diocese and guests from around the world participated in the service. During the Liturgy, a special memorial litany was offered for all deceased hierarchs, priests, and workers of the German Diocese throughout its history. Several clerical awards were also presented during the service.
In his address, Met. Nicholas emphasized that throughout its century of service, the German Diocese has strengthened people in the faith and raised youth in Orthodox tradition. “Our task is to understand that God is with us; recognizing this, our task is to bring something of ourselves and return it to God, as our ancestors did,” he said.
He called on those present to remember those who dedicated themselves to preserving the Church and Church life, raising children, and keeping the sanctity of Holy Russia. The current generation has been given a great heritage that has been preserved, he noted, and the main task now is to pass this precious legacy to future generations for the glory of God and the salvation of people.
Photo: liturgija.mk
His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America presented Met. Mark with an icon of St. Olga of Alaska containing a particle of her relics.
The celebration then continued with a festive meal attended by the First Hierarch, hierarchs, clergy, and faithful.
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