Church of the Redeemer: A Lutheran Landmark in Jerusalem
Located in the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem, the Church of the Redeemer (known in Hebrew as Knesiyat HaGo'el and in Arabic as al-Kanīsa l-Lūthariyya fī l-Quds) stands as a significant center of faith and history. As the second Protestant church established in Jerusalem—following the Anglican Christ Church—it serves as a vital spiritual hub for the Evangelical-Lutheran community and a destination for pilgrims from around the world.
The church is a property of the Evangelical Jerusalem Foundation, one of three foundations of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) in the Holy Land. Today, it is a multicultural sanctuary where congregations worship in English, German, Arabic, and Danish.
Historical Origins and Architecture
The church was built between 1893 and 1898, designed by Friedrich Adler and constructed by architect Paul Ferdinand Groth. The land was granted to King William I of Prussia by Sultan Abdülhamid of the Ottoman Empire in 1869, following the King's participation in the inauguration of the Suez Canal. The site previously housed the old church of St. Mary Minor.
The building was personally dedicated by Kaiser Wilhelm II on Reformation Day, October 31, 1898. To mark the occasion, the Kaiser entered the city on horseback through two ceremonial arches, one of which was a gift from the Ottoman Empire. During the dedication, Wilhelm emphasized the connection between the German nation and the "banner of the cross," citing the influence of Jerusalem's light on Germanic peoples.
Ecclesiastical Role and Leadership
The Church of the Redeemer serves multiple administrative and spiritual roles. It is the seat of the Provost of the German Protestant Ministries in the Holy Land (Evangelisch in Jerusalem) and the headquarters of the Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. The latter, an Arabic-speaking Palestinian church, became independent from the German provost in 1979.
The church has also been a site of historic firsts. On January 22, 2023, it ordained Sally Azar, the first Palestinian woman pastor in the Holy Land. Pastor Azar leads the English-speaking congregation and is one of only five ordained female leaders in the Middle East.
Key Facts
- Location: Old City of Jerusalem, adjacent to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
- Construction: Built 1893–1898; dedicated by Kaiser Wilhelm II.
- Affiliation: Evangelical-Lutheran; property of the Evangelical Jerusalem Foundation.
- Languages of Worship: Arabic, German, Danish, and English.
- Historic Milestone: Ordained the first Palestinian woman pastor in the Holy Land in 2023.
- Archaeology: Features an underground park showcasing 2,000 years of city history.
Pilgrimage and Spiritual Life
For those of the Evangelical-Lutheran faith, the church is a primary site of Christian pilgrimage. Pilgrims often visit the church to partake in the offering of the Mass and receive the sacrament of confession after visiting other holy sites in the city. The church also plays a central role in Holy Week, with its members and visitors participating in processions along the Via Dolorosa.
Sacred Spaces and Memorials
The church complex contains several points of historical and spiritual interest. This includes a chapel dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and a plaque in the gardens marking the site of the first hospital established by the crusader Order of the Knights of St. John.
The "Through the Centuries" Archaeological Park
Beneath the nave of the church lies an archaeological park titled Durch die Zeiten ("Through the centuries"), which opened in November 2012. This site allows visitors to walk through layers of history spanning over 2,000 years. The excavations were conducted in stages: first by Conrad Schick and Ute Wagner-Lux in 1893, and later by Karl Vriezen between 1970 and 1974.
To complement the archaeological experience, the adjoining cloister of the vicarage houses a museum featuring exhibits on the history of Jerusalem.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Architect | Paul Ferdinand Groth (Design by Friedrich Adler) |
| Dedication Date | October 31, 1898 |
| Key Figures | Kaiser Wilhelm II, Sally Azar |
| Associated Order | Knights of St. John (Hospitallers) |
| Archaeological Site | Durch die Zeiten (Through the Centuries) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Church of the Redeemer?
The church is a property of the Evangelical Jerusalem Foundation, which is one of three foundations of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) located in the Holy Land.
What is the significance of the archaeological park beneath the church?
The "Through the Centuries" park allows visitors to experience over 2,000 years of Jerusalem's urban development and history through physical excavations located under the church's nave.
Which languages are used for services at the church?
The church currently houses Lutheran congregations that worship in Arabic, German, Danish, and English.
What is the connection between the church and the Knights of St. John?
The church grounds contain a plaque marking the location of the first hospital of the crusader Order of the Knights of St. John, and the church includes a chapel dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.
Who was the first Palestinian woman pastor ordained here?
Sally Azar was ordained on January 22, 2023, becoming the first Palestinian woman pastor in the Holy Land and one of only five ordained female leaders in the Middle East.