Frankfurt am Main, April 27, 2025 — The Serbian Orthodox Church of the Resurrection of Christ was solemnly consecrated on Sunday in Frankfurt, marking a major event for the Orthodox faithful in Germany. The ceremony took place on the second Sunday after Easter, the Feast of Apostle Thomas, and was attended by hierarchs from both the Serbian and Russian Orthodox Churches, clergy, parishioners, and guests from various cities across Germany.

The celebration was held at the invitation of Metropolitan Grigorije of Düsseldorf and Germany (Serbian Orthodox Church), and featured Archbishop Tikhon of Ruza, head of the Berlin-German Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church. The rite of the Great Consecration and the Divine Liturgy were led by Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral. Services were conducted in Serbian, Church Slavonic, and German, reflecting the multicultural unity of Orthodox believers.

Among the concelebrants were Archbishop Tikhon and several Serbian Orthodox metropolitans and bishops, including Theodosije of Raška and Prizren, Justin of Žiča, Grigorije of Düsseldorf and Germany, and Bishop Konstantin of Central Europe. The multilingual service highlighted the diverse spiritual fabric of the Orthodox community in Germany.

Fr. Simon Turkis, the parish priest, was elevated to the rank of archpriest and awarded a jeweled cross in recognition of his dedication to the church’s preparation and consecration. In his homily on the Gospel reading about Christ’s appearance to Thomas, Metropolitan Justin of Žiča emphasized the power of faith and the joy of the Resurrection.

Following the Liturgy, Metropolitan Grigorije delivered an archpastoral message and presented Patriarchal awards to clergy and laity who contributed to the beautification of the church. Among the honorees was Frankfurt’s Lord Mayor Mike Josef, who received the Order of Saint Sava, Second Class — a high distinction of the Serbian Church.

The celebrations concluded with a festive reception attended by around 600 guests. Archbishop Tikhon greeted attendees and presented a hand-painted Easter egg to Metropolitan Grigorije as a symbol of spiritual joy and fraternal love. The reception featured performances of traditional songs and dances, as well as Easter hymns sung by members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, underscoring the spirit of unity among Orthodox Christians of many cultures.