As Munich expanded in the late 15th century, inner-city cemeteries were relocated. St Salvator was built to serve the Frauenkirche cemetery: shell likely completed April 1493, consecrated 15 Aug 1494 (master builder probably Lukas Rottaler). A gallery was added in the 17th c.; after lightning damage in 1767 the Gothic spire was replaced by a Baroque onion dome; 1774 saw renovation. Secularization brought clearance/demolition decrees in 1803/04, never executed due to lack of depot space. 1806 King Max I Joseph gifted the church to the Lutheran community, yet it remained a storage site. Through Friedrich Thiersch’s advocacy, King Ludwig I granted it to the Greek community in 1828; Leo von Klenze adapted it for Orthodox worship, consecrated 18 Dec 1829. The tower was regothicized in 1869; stained glass was variously removed/reinstalled (1903/1928/1941). The structure largely survived WWII, though much glass was lost. Key works followed: 1970 iconostasis moved back, 1982 roofing, 1992/93 exterior repairs, 2000 four restored windows reinstalled, 2008 tower renovation, 2009 new portal.

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The roots of the Serbian Orthodox community in Munich go back to the difficult years surrounding the Second World War. In the 1940s, Serbian believers in Germany first gathered for worship in camps and temporary chapels. In 1946, a Serbian Orthodox Community for Germany was formally organized and recognized by Bavarian authorities, marking the beginning of an official church presence in the region. Just one year later, in 1947, the Serbian Orthodox Church Municipality of Munich was founded, initially using borrowed spaces in various parts of the city.

Over the following decades the community moved several times as it grew, celebrating services in chapels and halls at different addresses across Munich. In the 1980s the parish began planning a permanent church and cultural center that would reflect both Serbian Orthodox tradition and its new Bavarian home. Construction of the church dedicated to Saint Jovan Vladimir started in 1995 on Putzbrunner Straße, and the building was first consecrated in 1996. In the years that followed, a chapel was added and the interior iconography was completed, so that today the church stands as a fully developed Orthodox sacred space and a lively hub for worship, catechesis, language school and cultural events.

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Note: Times are given in local Munich time (CET/CEST). Feast-day schedules and special services can vary; checking the parish calendar or contacting the office before a visit is recommended.

Location & Founding.
In picturesque Buchendorf near Starnberg (≈700 residents), about 17 km from downtown Munich, an Orthodox women’s monastery dedicated to St Grand Duchess Elizabeth has existed since 2005, directly behind the Roman Catholic Church of St Archangel Michael.

Prayer & Worship.
At the heart of monastic life are divine worship and personal prayer. The full daily liturgical cycle is served each day; the Divine Liturgy is celebrated three to four times a week, including Sundays.

Work & Crafts.
The monastery maintains a prosphora bakery, sewing room, embroidery, and bookbindery. The sisters cultivate a vegetable garden (raising seedlings in greenhouses), plant potatoes, keep chickens, and run beekeeping. Honey and propolis supply the monastery’s small natural apothecary, where handmade salves of various compositions are prepared.

Youth & Formation.
Since its founding, the monastery hosts the annual Martha-Mary Summer Camp for girls, offering an introduction to monastic life and friendships with peers from Orthodox parishes across Germany and other countries—strengthening their church life.

Spiritual Character.
Following the Gospel model of Martha and Mary, work and prayer are inseparable. Under the guidance of their spiritual father, the sisters unite obedience and prayer in every task. Regardless of duties, all attend the full cycle of services—an expectation also for pilgrims who come for several days to be spiritually renewed.

“The obedience I fulfill in the monastery is entrusted to me by God; my relationship with God depends on how I fulfill it.” — Gerontas Emilianos Vafidis

Leadership.
The monastery is headed by Abbess Maria (Sidiropoulou).

From Ladomirová to Munich.
The present Munich monastery traces back to the Monastery of St. Job of Pochaev founded in Ladomirová (Eastern Slovakia) in 1923 by Archimandrite Vitaly (Maksimenko). The brotherhood operated a major printing press and publishing house, shaping the literature of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (e.g., Pravoslavnaja Rus’, Pravoslavnyj Put’, Pravoslavnyj Kalendar’). In 1944/45, before the advance of the Red Army, the community was evacuated; the group grew to 49 monks, some passing through Geneva into Germany. The Ladomirová monastery was closed in 1946.

A new start in Obermenzing (1946).
At the initiative of Archimandrite Job (Leontyev) and with the help of the US military government, the brotherhood found premises in Munich-Obermenzing. Within a short time they built cells, a refectory, and the Church of St. Job, consecrated on August 28/September 10, 1946. The iconostasis was painted in old-Russian style by Hieromonk Kiprian; frescoes adorn the walls. The small church remains an art-historical gem. By late 1947 the community numbered 32 brethren (some lay). Political insecurity and economic hardship soon led to the emigration of many monks—notably to Holy Trinity Monastery, Jordanville (USA), as well as to Palestine, France, England, Canada, and South America, where new monasteries were founded.

1950s–1970s.
Despite poverty, the monks offered social aid (free meals, clothing) and revived printing: until 1977 some 200 titles (Russian/Church Slavonic) were produced. The monastery ran priest-training courses (e.g., under Archpriest Vasilij Vinogradov) and multi-day meetings for Orthodox Germans, later seminars in Frankfurt and Munich. From 1966–1980 Bishop (later Archbishop) Nathanael headed the monastery; until 1981 it was stauropegial (directly under the ROCOR First Hierarch), thereafter under the German Diocese.

Renewal according to Athonite rule (from 1980).
With Bishop (now Archbishop) Mark, the community undertook a thorough renovation and adopted Athonite rule: a new entrance with tower and crosses, a larger onion dome, and modernization of the press. A basement candle-works has since supplied diocesan needs and supports the monastery financially. Guest rooms were added, annual youth seminars (1982–1994) held, and an individualized priest-formation established, through which over a dozen clergy were ordained in the 1980s. The monastery became a bridge between the émigré community and faithful from Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.

Today.
The brotherhood continues with publishing, candle-making, incense production, silversmithing, beekeeping, as well as religious education and adult catechesis. Through its printing and educational work, the monastery has become a spiritual center for Orthodox Christians and seekers in Germany and for the Russian diaspora of Western Europe.

History of Holy Spirit's Church

Holy Spirit's Church was established in 1990, with a vision to create a vibrant community of believers. The church has grown rapidly, becoming a hub for spiritual growth and community service. Its members are dedicated to living out their faith through action and support for one another.

"Empowered by the Spirit to serve."

Holy Spirit's Church is known for its dynamic worship services and engaging programs for all ages.

History of Community Church of Springfield

Founded in 1975, Community Church of Springfield was created to meet the diverse needs of the local population. With a focus on inclusivity and outreach, the church has become a gathering place for individuals from all walks of life. Its mission is to foster a welcoming environment where everyone can grow in their faith.

"Together in faith, together in community."

Over the years, the church has expanded its programs to include youth activities, adult education, and community service projects.

History of St. Peter's Cathedral

St. Peter's Cathedral was consecrated in 1885 and has served as a spiritual home for generations. Known for its stunning architecture and vibrant community, the cathedral has been a beacon of faith and hope. It has hosted countless weddings, baptisms, and memorial services, marking significant moments in the lives of its parishioners.

"A sanctuary of peace and reflection."

The cathedral is also known for its music ministry, featuring a renowned choir that enhances the worship experience.

Grace United Methodist Church was established in 1920, with a mission to serve the spiritual needs of the community. The church has a rich history of outreach and service, providing support to those in need and fostering a sense of belonging among its members. Over the years, it has been a place of solace and strength for many families.

"Serving with love and compassion."

With a commitment to social justice, Grace UMC has been involved in various community initiatives, including food drives and educational programs.

The Russian Orthodox community in Munich looks back on a long tradition. This applies not only to the 1,000-year tradition since the baptism of Russia, which the community celebrated in 1988 with lectures and an exhibition, but also to the Munich tradition.
When the Russian legation was opened in Munich's Ottostraße in 1798, church services were also to be held here in the chapel, in accordance with custom. Although no further details are known, it is historically certain that from 1832 onwards, the legation staff and their relatives attended the Salvator Church, which was served by Greek clergy. This also applies to the diplomat and poet F. I. Tyutchev (1803-1873), who married in the Salvator Church and had all five of his children baptised there. From 1867 to 1881, there was also the house church of Count Adlerberg, which was moved to Tegernsee when the family relocated there. This house church was dedicated to St. Nicholas, the miracle worker of Myra in Lycia (Asia Minor). Its iconostasis[1] was a gift from Tsar Alexander II, a friend of the Adlerberg family. He had taken it and the liturgical objects given to the Adlerbergs from his dacha in Finland.

"A place of hope and community."

Over the decades, the church has undergone several renovations to accommodate its growing membership and to enhance its facilities for community outreach programs.