Altkatholische Kirche (Old Catholic Church), Graz

The Old Catholic Church of the Resurrection in Graz holds a special place in both the city's landscape and the presence of the Old Catholic Church in Styria and southern Burgenland. Initially dedicated to Saint Christopher, this church underwent a name change in 2010 after renovations. It's situated in Graz's 5th district, specifically in the Gries area, sharing grounds with the New Saint Andrä Middle School.

Although its exterior may seem modest, the building carries a deep history dating back to the late 17th century when it functioned as an orphanage with an attached church in Murvorstadt. Over time, the building underwent changes, serving as barracks and later as a school, erasing traces of its original purpose.

The Old Catholic Church's presence in Graz has roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After the 1889 union of non-Roman churches into the Utrecht Union of Old Catholic Churches, Graz saw its first Old Catholic service. Efforts began in 1901 to adapt a large hall on the ground floor for Old Catholic worship.

The church has undergone redesigns, notably in the 1960s and 2010, refreshing its appearance and enhancing its spiritual atmosphere. One of its unique features is a Christmas nativity scene presented in the style of a winged altar, adding a distinctive touch to its interior.

Adjacent to the church is the Old Catholic Cemetery within the Central Cemetery, an important part of the church's heritage. Leased by the Graz magistrate in 1932, this cemetery section is notable as a unique Old Catholic burial ground in Europe.

Together, the Old Catholic Church of the Resurrection and its cemetery represent a fascinating blend of history, architecture, and faith, enriching Graz's religious and cultural fabric.