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Every Monday at 6:30 p.m. until May 28, 2023, the castle parish, the Evang. Academy of Saxony-Anhalt and the preacher seminar together for regular prayers for peace in the Castle Church.
Concerns and fears, resentment and protest against government decisions continue to be voiced in different ways and loudly in Wittenberg. "Prayers in the churches are for peace for our society, for the trouble spots and wars in this world. The almost year-long war in Ukraine, the unrest in Brazil and Iran preoccupies us and often leaves us feeling powerless. Christians don't have quick answers and solutions, but the opportunity to turn to someone who can heal this world," says Wolfgang Nebel from the castle parish. Texts and thoughts on discord and peace are considered in the light of the Bible. Music, songs and psalms are sung and prayed.
The focus of the approx. 30 minute prayer is a time of silence in which candles are lit and in prayer the suffering and hardship in Ukraine and the world, the lack of understanding and powerlessness in the face of war and violence can be brought before God.
The altar in the choir, which rises up to 12 m high, is made largely of soft French limestone due to its delicate shapes. This altar was designed by master builder Friedrich Adler. He was inspired by the Nuremberg Sebaldus tomb by Peter Vischer the Elder (completed in 1519) (according to Martin Steffens).
The Theses Door
According to tradition, on October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted 95 theses in Latin on a poster on this door in order to debate them with scholars. The debate was intended to clarify whether the church's trade in "indulgences" corresponded to what Jesus once wanted. That was the beginning of the Reformation. The old wooden "Theses Door" was lost in the great fire of the church in 1760. In 1858, the Prussian King Frederick William IV donated the current bronze door, in the wings of which the Latin theses are cast.
Jubilee!
The castle church congregation celebrated its 75th anniversary on August 25, 2024 with a celebratory service followed by a reception.
History
Around 1340, the Ascanian dukes had an "All Saints' Chapel" built at their castle and founded a collegiate monastery in it for liturgical service. Elector Friedrich the Wise had the palace with the chapel demolished and his new residential palace with a more spacious palace church built on the site. You can find out more about the story here.
Church for children
Every Sunday there is a children's service in the Wittenberg Castle Church, parallel to the adult service. Ms. Felicia Grauel is one of the volunteers for the children's service.