Kirchentag Day 3

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One never ceases to be amazed at the scale of the Kirchentag.  For the Orthodox vespers this evening, 1000 tables had been placed in the open air at Odeonsplatz in the centre of Munich.  Each table sat 10 people and they were all full.  I was one of the unlucky many who didn't get a seat which meant that there probably at least 11 or 12,000 people taking part.  The climax of the service was the blessing of the bread and the distribution of it to the tables where it was shared by all along with apples, water and olive oil to dip the bread in.  On each table people then took it in turn to read the text of the feeding of the 5,000 and to share thoughts on it together. This is an old Orthodox tradition which is not sacramental and yet uses much of the symbolism and is a focus of fellowship and hospitality which can be extended to anyone.  In the context of the Kirchentag which continues to struggle with the problem of the lack of intercommunion it has been a powerful new element.  Earlier in the day some 6000 people had filled one of the halls to listen to a panel discussion on the question of unity around the Lord's table.  This was the same hall which had earlier held a meeting addressed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel on a very different theme.

(Munich has the largest Greek Orthodox community in any city outside Greece and it is the first time that the Orthodox have had such a high profile in a Kirchentag.)

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