Katholische Kirche

The Catholic church in Greimersburg is a so-called filial church. The main church of the parish of Landkern-Greimersburg is in Landkern. Over time, it was customary to build small churches or chapels in the branches so that the population would also have a meeting and prayer room there. As in most churches, the present building is not the original one. Old documents show that a chapel was consecrated in Greimersburg in 1737. However, this is not the first church that stood in this village. However, it must have fallen victim to the great village fire in 1776 and been rebuilt the following year, in 1777. It is interesting to note that the early church-keeper's house was built right next to the church at a fork in the road. Both form a unit, so to speak. The church in Greimersburg is dedicated to St. Anthony the Hermit. Antonius was a hermit who wanted to live a life pleasing to God in seclusion. Another saint of the same name is Anthony the Great. A church teacher and theologian. But as I said, these are two different people. But he nevertheless became known as a role model for the youth and for the people at that time. And young men joined together to form a small community. In illustrations, Anthony the Hermit is often depicted with a pig. However, this goes back to the community of the Antonites, which was founded later. At the turn of the first millennium, a mysterious disease appeared in Europe. Poisoning due to the so-called ergot. A fungus that mainly attacks rye. However, the cause of this disease was not known at the time. So there was no medical help either. Due to a miracle attributed to St. Anthony, the disease was cured. In order to help people suffering from this disease, the so-called Antonius Fire, the Antonite Hospitaller Order was founded. Pigs were bred to feed the sick. At that time, people could not only donate money and coins, but piglets were also promised to the Antonites, which were fattened up and then given to the respective hospital. This became the trademark of the Antonites, so to speak. That is why Antony the Hermit is usually depicted with a pig. Although he himself had nothing to do with it. St. Anthony is often found in the church. He is first noticed on the outside of the front wall facing the street. A figure from the 18th century - it must have been inserted when the church was built, because it stands in a niche in the wall. The church was built in the 18th century - the baroque style of that era comes to mind. Unlike in large castles and Bavarian churches, where one is almost overwhelmed by gilding, ornamentation and play of colours, in Greimersburg one finds a much more modest "peasant baroque". This can be seen, for example, in the ceiling paintings. They show God the Father himself, recognisable by the classic triangle instead of a halo. Then another ceiling painting with the Mother of God in the centre. And there too, on her right, St. Anthony. The churches - which have existed as buildings for centuries - are not static structures that are only conserved once they have been built. It is interesting to note that there are two Stations of the Cross in the church. One is older and was placed under the gallery. It is probably the more original one and is a wood and clay work from the 19th century. Then there is the second one, which was walled in in the 1960s as a contemporary work. A high altar that once existed no longer exists. Instead, a so-called "people's altar" in table form was erected in the 90s. The tabernacle behind it is embedded in the back wall. The Greimersburg church invites you to quiet down, to linger. If you sit down in a pew and listen to the meditation music that fills the room, it is easy to follow your thoughts. Perhaps one can imagine how, in past centuries, the village community sought refuge here in the afflictions of the times, but also celebrated here in the course of the year and sought God's blessing. So, a cordial invitation to visit this church...

Service can be viewed online.

www.pg-beilstein-moselkrampen.de