An ANCHORING PLACE for the soul awaits you. In this summer-fresh production by Kirchen Kultur Graz in cooperation with Schauspielhaus Graz, texts were read by actors and actresses, accompanied by music, silence and the sound of the sea... Immerse yourself in the cool church and the shady fountain courtyard, which also has a drinking fountain, and let yourself be surprised!
Did you know that the anchor was also a secret sign of recognition for the first Christian women? And what is the famous seafaring motif all about?
For centuries, the motif of heart, cross and anchor has accompanied sailors to all corners of the world. The so-called "sailor's grave", which many have tattooed on their skin, has its origins in the Bible and stands for the Christian virtues cited by the Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians: "For now abide faith, hope, love, these three; / But greatest of these is love." (1Cor 13:13). On the high seas, the heart symbolised love and attachment to those waiting at home. The anchor stood for the hope of seeing them again. And the cross stood for faith and trust in being protected on the way and returning home safe and sound after a long, often perilous journey.
In the Mesnergasse (corner of Herrengasse 23) near the Graz City Parish Church you can discover these three Christian virtues of faith (with cross), love (with heart) and hope (with anchor).
And the original ship's bell of the SMS Tegetthoff can be found in the Barmherzigenkirche on Südtirolerplatz in Graz...