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Romanian Orthodox parish joins Heidelberg’s new interfaith dialogue forum

July 8, 2026 · 1 min read

The Romanian Orthodox ‘Holy Trinity’ Parish in Heidelberg, Germany, has been invited to join the Heidelberger Dialog der Religionen (“Heidelberg Dialogue of Religions”), a forum established by the city’s administration to bring together representatives of the city’s major religious communities.

According to the City of Heidelberg , the initiative aims to bring together representatives of the city’s principal faith communities at the same table for the first time, creating a platform for dialogue and cooperation. The forum seeks to encourage the exchange of perspectives among religious communities, advise the local authorities on religious matters, increase the visibility of religious life in Heidelberg and promote peaceful coexistence within society.

Recognition of the parish’s contribution Serafim Armanca was the representative of the Romanian community at the interreligious dialogue organised by Heidelberg City Hall. Photo credit: Heidelberg City Hall / Philipp Rothe Speaking to Basilica.ro, the parish’s pastoral associate, Serafim Armanca, said the invitation reflects both recognition and responsibility.

“After more than a decade of sustained Orthodox presence in the…

Source: Basilica News Agency (English) · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (8) 🌐 Show original

Peter Evans

That's good to see the Romanian parish getting invited after more than a decade there. Serafim Armanca seems like the right man for it. Hope the forum sticks to real talk instead of just nice words.

Nathalie Bernard

This is good news for the Romanian parish after more than ten years in Heidelberg. Serafim Armanca seems serious, I hope that the forum will really serve something concrete and not just nice words. We'll see if the authorities listen.

Вера Новикова

It’s good that after more than ten years the Romanian community was noticed. Seraphim Armanka is a serious person, it will be interesting whether the authorities will hear real questions from the parishes or again just the protocol. Let's see how it goes.

Георгий Кузнецов

It’s good that after more than ten years the Romanian community is finally being noticed. Seraphim Armanka is a serious person, I hope he will be able to convey the real needs of the parish, and not just the protocol. Let's see if this will lead to practical action or just talk again.

Марина Волкова

It’s good that after more than ten years the Romanian community was finally invited. Seraphim Armanka is a serious person, I hope he will talk about the real needs of the parish, and not just about “peace and cooperation.” Let's see if anything useful comes out of this for ordinary parishioners.

Ирина Соловьёва

It’s good that after more than ten years the Romanian community was finally invited. Seraphim Armanka is a serious person, I hope he will talk about the real needs of the parish - for example, about housing or assistance to families, and not just about “dialogue and coexistence.” Let's see if anything useful comes out of this for ordinary parishioners.

Людмила Новикова

Yes, ten years is a really long time, especially when the parish is already active. Seraphim usually speaks to the point, I wonder if he will raise the issue of the premises for our meetings or just general topics. Let's see what happens next.

I agree, Seraphim is a serious person and the parishes have real questions - from premises for classes to the recognition of holidays. I hope this will not remain just a protocol, but will turn into action. I wonder what exactly you consider the most important to discuss at the first meetings?