Austria Prepares for the 22nd “Long Night of Churches” on May 29

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Under the motto “MUTeinander” (“Courage Together”), numerous churches across Austria will once again open their doors on Friday, 29 May, for the 22nd Long Night of Churches. According to the organizers, more than 1,700 events are currently planned in around 600 churches and other venues throughout Austria. With the exception of the Diocese of Feldkirch, which is pausing this year, all Austrian dioceses are participating, joined once again by the Catholic Church in South Tyrol (Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone).

In recent years, the event has consistently drawn over 300,000 visitors, and organizers expect a similar turnout this year. The initiative also extends beyond Austria’s borders: in the Czech Republic, roughly 1,600 churches will take part in their own “Night of Churches.”

Nationwide Bell Ringing to Open the Evening

The “Lange Nacht” begins traditionally at 17:50 with church bells ringing across Austria, signaling the start of an evening filled with music, reflection, conversation, and cultural encounters.

A Celebration of Ecumenical Unity

All churches represented in the Ecumenical Council of Churches in Austria (ÖRKÖ) take part in the event. ÖRKÖ chair Bishop Tiran Petrosyan described the night as a “unique celebration of faith and Christian community.”

In a video message, Petrosyan reflected on the theme MUTeinander:
His faith gives him courage, he said, “that God accompanies us even in difficult times.” The church community also strengthens him — “in which we support and carry one another.” The “Lange Nacht der Kirchen” shows, he added, that “we are not alone.”

The theme draws inspiration from the biblical story of Bartimaeus — “Take heart, get up!” — encouraging visitors to engage in conversation, try something new, and face social challenges together.

Churches as Places of Encounter and Hope

According to national coordinator Markus Porries, the event aims to highlight not only the spiritual richness of Austria’s churches but also their social commitment. Churches, he said, are “places of encounter, solidarity, culture, and hope.”

New Partnership: “Austria of Round & Square Tables”

A special focus this year is a new collaboration with the civil-society initiative “Österreich der runden & eckigen Tische.”

These events invite people to sit together — sometimes at round tables, sometimes at square ones — and engage with those who may think, live, or believe differently.

One flagship event will take place at the Archbishop’s Palace in Vienna, featuring Archbishop Josef Grünwidl, Protestant Bishop Cornelia Richter, and other notable guests.