Christians invite you to the Capital of Culture year in the Chemnitz region

To mark the start of the Capital of Culture year, Christians have invited people on a journey of discovery in the region around Chemnitz. Many people are more familiar with it from negative headlines, said priest Gregor Giele in a Catholic service from Hohenstein-Ernstthal (Zwickau district), which was broadcast live on ZDF. "Our experience here on site is different."

In the sermon, he and the Capital of Culture representative of the Catholic Church, Ulrike Lynn, referred to the motto of the Capital of Culture year "C the Unseen". It invites us to perceive and learn to appreciate everything that lies hidden, said Lynn.

The C actually stands for the city of Chemnitz. However, Christians could also read it as an abbreviation for Christ, Lynn said. "Every path, every encounter of my day can become a search for traces of God's presence. I encounter the Lord in every person." He can actually be found hidden in everything with curiosity and attentiveness.

Churches offer an extensive program

Chemnitz shares the title of European Capital of Culture with Nova Gorica in Slovenia in 2025. It will be officially launched on January 18 with a big celebration in the city. In addition to Chemnitz itself, more than 30 municipalities in the surrounding area are participating as a Capital of Culture region. This also includes Hohenstein-Ernstthal.

The churches are hosting a number of events. These include radio services, altar coverings during Passiontide, a series of sermons entitled "European Sermon on the Mount" as well as exhibitions, offers for pilgrims and a European peacemaking event on 9 May.