Sister M. Monika Schmidt, BY

For a year now, the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of St. Luke, Munich, has been attending Sunday services at our St. James Church on the Anger in Munich, while their own church is currently being renovated. Thus, we share the church in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The fact that Easter fell on the same day for Catholics, Protestants, and the Orthodox Church in 2025 was an occasion for the Protestant pastor to hold a special celebration.

He therefore invited not only the regional bishop but also the archimandrite of the Greek Orthodox Church to the service on the morning of Easter Sunday. As provincial superior, I was to represent the Catholic side.

After a joint procession into the church with the Easter candle and the opening hymn, I welcomed the congregants to this special service.

Archimandrite Siomos sang the Christ Hymn and then the Gospel of the day. The regional bishop preached on the importance of genuine encounters.

The clergy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church administered Holy Communion, and the archimandrite offered a personal blessing to all who requested it.

The intercessions were offered from the altar by a representative of the St. Luke’s congregation, the archimandrite, and myself.

The Easter service was musically festive, with organ and trumpet music, as well as powerful and spirited singing from the congregation.

After leaving the church, the clergy distributed a colored egg to all attendees, according to ancient tradition. Everyone wished each other a happy Easter, shared their joy in being together, and expressed gratitude for the hospitality.

As brothers and sisters, we are on the journey together. Happy Easter in the truest sense!