Germany – Greek Diaspora History

Greek Orthodox Churches Germany

5 Must See Greek Orthodox Churches in Germany

The Greek diaspora community in Germany has a rich history, and like most Greek diasporas, is preserved and maintained thanks to the Greek Orthodox Church. The Greek diaspora history in Germany spans over 300 years, with the largest number of Greeks in Germany living in Frankfurt, Munich, and Stuttgart. The Greek population in Germany is currently estimated at approximately 450,000.

The Eastern Orthodox Churches in Germany form the third-largest Christian denomination after Roman Catholicism and the Evangelical Church in Germany.

Eastern Orthodox Churches in Germany

The Eastern Orthodox community in Germany has grown predominantly due to large waves of post WWII immigration from Eastern European countries such as Greece, Romania, former USSR nations, and former Yugoslav nations. 

The Eastern Orthodox Churches in Germany operate under the following jurisdictions:

  1. Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
  2. Patriarchate of Antioch.
  3. Patriarchate of Moscow.
  4. Serbian Orthodox Church.
  5. Romanian Orthodox Church.
  6. Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
  7. Georgian Orthodox Church.

The majority of Greek speaking Orthodox Churches outside of Greece fall under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Here is a list of the 5 must see Greek Orthodox Churches in Germany:

1. Saint Andreas Greek Orthodox Church (Dusseldorf, Germany)

Saint Andreas Greek Orthodox Church represents a successful combination of traditional Greek Orthodox and German architecture. Located next to the highway connecting Dusseldorf with the countryside, St Andreas services the Greek diaspora community of South East Dusseldorf, as well as regional areas.

Greek Orthodox Churches in Germany - Image 1
Greek Orthodox Churches in Germany - Saint Andreas, Dusseldorf

2. Ascension of the Lord Greek Orthodox Church (Berlin, Germany)

A Greek Orthodox Church located in Germany’s capital, the Ascension of the Lord is welcoming, with many Christians from varying denominations attending services.

3. Greek Orthodox Church of Annunciation (Esslingen, Germany)

The Church of Annunciation in Germany claims to be the largest Greek Orthodox Church in Europe, outside of Greece! Located in the outskirts of Stuttgart in the town of Eslingen, it is certainly worth a visit when in the region.

Greek Orthodox Churches in Germany - Image 2
Greek Orthodox Churches in Germany - Church of Annunciation, Esslingen

4. All Saints Greek Orthodox Church (Munich, Germany)

The All Saints Greek Orthodox Church was established in Munich, Germany on 15 October, 1995. The church services the capital of Bavaria, with one of the largest Greek diaspora communities. The interior is ornately decorated with a Byzantine style iconographic fresco.

Greek Orthodox Churches in Germany - Image 3
Greek Orthodox Churches in Germany - All Saints, Munich

5. Saint Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church (Stuttgart, Germany)

Stuttgart’s Orthodox community is unique in that they engage in joint programs for Orthodox Christians from different countries of origin, celebrating each other’s cultural and spiritual traditions. The Holy Apostle Peter and Paul Orthodox community is an example of this initiative.

Greek Orthodox Churches in Germany - Image 4
Greek Orthodox Churches in Germany - Saint Peter & Paul, Stuttgart

Do you have a connection to the Greek Diaspora in the Germany? Trace your ancestry to find out. There are a number of DNA tests available but the most common and most trusted of them all is Ancestry.com 

Click here to order your DNA test

Are you thinking of visiting these churches in Germany? 

I recommend using Booking.com for accommodation as it’s one of the most trusted providers. 

Are you interested in Greek Orthodox Churches in Europe? Check out our article here on the 5 Must See Greek Orthodox Churches in London.

Booking.com
Close Menu