Consecration of the altar in the new crypt chapel

Church service with Bishop Dr. Christian Stäblein in the historic crypt 

With a church service on the evening of Pentecost Sunday, the Hohenzollern Crypt in Berlin Cathedral will gain a new spiritual focal point: a crypt chapel. Its altar – a spolia from the former Denkmalskirche – will be solemnly consecrated by Bishop Dr. Christian Stäblein. Following its renovation and reopening in March 2026, the crypt will thus gain a further powerful sacred dimension. You are most welcome to attend!

Pentecost Sunday, 24 May 2026, 6 pm
Service for the Solemn Consecration of the Altar of the Crypt Chapel
Sermon: Bishop Dr. Christian Stäblein
Liturgy: Cathedral Preacher Christiane Münker and Cathedral Preacher Stefan Scholpp
Music: Cathedral Organist Andreas Sieling and Claudia Tesorino on the trumpet

A space that has stood empty for decades will thus be brought back to life on Pentecost Sunday, opening up a dignified place for prayer, reflection and music in the heart of the historic burial vault. The altar is a spolia from the Monumental Church, demolished in 1975, which originally also housed the entrance to the Hohenzollern crypt. The new chapel is complemented by an ambo, a new lectern cross, an organ and pews. Opposite the entrance to the burial vault of the so-called ‘nameless princess’, a sculpture of the ‘Descent from the Cross’ has also been erected. In future, the chapel can be used for small-scale church services, devotions and chamber music concerts.

The design of the crypt chapel is being funded by the Berlin Cathedral Foundation.

Photo: Katharina Weber