The Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of Germany, Central and Northern Europe has been officially granted recognition as a corporation under public law in the Land of Berlin.
Religious communities in Germany may be recognised as corporations under public law (Körperschaften des öffentlichen Rechts).
This provision dates back to when the Church and State were not yet separated. Originally it was only intended for the major Christian faiths.
Since 1919 this status can be conferred on other religious communities if they show proof of continuity and stability through their membership numbers and their internal constitution (art. 140 GG and art. 137 (5-2) WRV).
Another requirement to be recognised as a corporation under public law is not mentioned in the Basic Law; the religious community must respect the law, act according to the constitutional principles, and not infringe on the fundamental rights of others.
A ceremony was held at the “Archangels Michael and Gabriel” Church in Berlin on March 6, 2023.
State Secretary for European Affairs Mr Gerry Woop represented the Berlin Senate, accompanied by an official delegation.
Ambassador Adriana Stănescu represented the Romanian Embassy in Germany and was accompanied by Mr Iulian Costache, minister and cultural advisor within the same institution, as well as other officials.
The president of the Alba County Council, Mr Ion Dumitrel, also attended the ceremony.
The Metropolis of Germany was represented by His Eminence Metropolitan Serafim, accompanied by Fr Ioan Forga, dean for Eastern Germany, priests, deacons and believers from Berlin.
“The Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of Germany, Central and Northern Europe, with headquarters in Nuremberg, enjoys the recognition by the state of the status of a corporation under public law in the city-state of Berlin and thanks the authorities of this federal state for the openness towards the Orthodox Romanians living in the capital of Germany. We are also very grateful to you, Mr Secretary of State, for coming to our church to personally hand over the official document in this regard,” Metropolitan Serafim said.
“According to the most recent census in Romania, over 85% of the population is Romanian Orthodox. As the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Germany, we strive to offer our believers the opportunity to practice the faith in which they were baptised while offering them a spiritual “home” here, far from the country they come from. We believe that in this way, we help the Romanians to integrate well here and take root, both for their benefit and for the welfare of German society.”
“We ask the Good, All-Merciful and All-Powerful God to bless the beautiful capital of Germany, Berlin, its public authorities and all its inhabitants”, His Eminence Metropolitan Serafim wished.
State Secretary for Europe Gerry Woop spoke about the long road travelled until the Romanian Metropolis obtained the status of a corporation under public law, but also the fact that Romanians contributed to the religious diversity of the Land of Berlin.
Ambassador Adriana Stănescu stressed the importance of the moment for Romanian-German relations, showing that the Church has a significant role in maintaining the unity of the Romanian community and preserving its identity and language.
Photography courtesy of Ioan Costina
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