On November 10, in Bavaria, a historic event took place as the keys to Seifriedsberg Castle were officially handed over to representatives of the German Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). Around 500 faithful from various German cities gathered at the site for the inaugural prayer service held at the walls of what will become a new Orthodox monastery.

As reported by the German news outlet mailerlite.io, the ceremony was attended by Metropolitan Mark of Berlin and Germany, Bishop Job of Stuttgart, monks from the Brotherhood of St. Job of Pochaev, as well as benefactors and parishioners of the German Diocese. In his address to the assembly, Bishop Job noted, "Seifriedsberg Castle, long neglected, opens a new chapter both for Orthodoxy in Germany and for its own storied history."

First mentioned in historical records in 1251, Seifriedsberg Castle once served as the residence of a royal minister. Over the centuries, the castle changed hands many times, undergoing renovations and modifications. In 1751, it became the private property of the Oettingen-Wallerstein family, who worked to restore it. In 1846, a park featuring unique plant species from around the world was established around the castle, which remains open to visitors.

The castle was repeatedly modified throughout its history, was looted in 1945 by French forces, and in 2016 was purchased by Impuls Finanzmanagement AG. In 2024, ownership passed to the German Diocese of ROCOR, which plans to establish a monastery dedicated to St. Job of Pochaev within its walls.

In the coming months, experts will develop detailed plans for restoration and renovations. The diocese has confirmed that the castle’s park, a beloved local attraction, will remain open to visitors year-round.