Religious Services in the Czech Republic

On the face of it, the Czech Republic may not seem the best place to start looking for religious activity as it is one of the most secular states in Europe. This is partly a result of almost 50 years of religious suppression during communist rule, which is ironic considering the splendor of many of the well-preserved churches in the Czech Republic. Nevertheless, if you know where to look, you will find a host of religious groups based in and around Prague.

The Prague Fellowship is an independent Czech church officially founded in 1990. They meet at the Evangelical Methodist Church at Ječná 19 (at the back of the courtyard), Prague 2. The group forms the English-speaking community of the larger Czech organization Křesťanské společenství and consists of people from many different backgrounds and denominations.

The New Beginnings Christian Center also offers services in English, including a Sunday Service in English on Sunday morning and a Czech-English Sunday Service in the afternoon. Other classes and services in English are offered throughout the week. The Center is located at the Vysočanská Life Center, near the Vysočanská metro station in Prague 9.

St Clement’s Anglican Episcopal Church (Klimentská 5) celebrates the Eucharist every Sunday at 11:00.

For Catholics, the Augustinian parish of Saint Thomas has an English-speaking Catholic Community. Mass in English is held at the Church of Saint Thomas on Josefská 8 in Malá Strana Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings. The Parish also offers classes and other religious services throughout the week.

For Baptists, the Baptist Union of the Czech Republic can provide some general information. There is also the International Baptist Church of Prague – even if this is not what you´re looking for, that´s no reason to stop you putting your head round the door. Their website states they also welcome, “agnostics, unbelievers, seekers, the curious, sinners, doubters, strugglers, the spiritually wounded, the lonely, the broken hearted, the disillusioned.” That seems to cover just about everybody.

There is also the International Pentecostal Fellowship, a branch of the United Pentecostal Church International. They meet in Old Town Square just behind Týn Church. The church offers its own Bible school along with an assortment of ministries, including ladies´ meetings, men´s meetings and orphanage outreach program.

You can read more about Christianity in the Czech Republic at the Prague Christian Library.

Pick up any guide to the city and you´ll see Prague has been hugely influenced by Judaism. The Jewish Quarter remains hugely popular (especially among tourists) – and rightly so, due to its wealth of history, culture, and beautiful synagogues. Likewise, there is a flourishing Jewish community here, too. For more information have a look at the Chabad Centre, Prague.

Muslims are also well catered for in the Czech Republic. The Islamic Foundation has two centers, one in Prague and one in Brno. The Prague branch is in Prague 9 and holds various meetings and courses on Islam.

Although a pint of beer and fried cheese might seem as far away as you can get from the Orient, religion from the Far East is very popular in the Czech Republic. The Karma Kagyu branch of Buddhism boasts 35 centers across the country. The Prague branch is in Prague 10 and you can visit any day at 8pm to speak to teachers. They also offer lectures, a library, and meditation sessions.

Prague also has an active Hindu association. Hinduismus organizes many events but is mainly aimed at Czech speakers. The Hare Krishna movement has a large following in Prague as well, and they operate a temple in Zličín along with a few restaurants in the city.

The Bahá´í Faith has branches in Prague, Brno, Liberec, Ostrava, České Budějovice, and Hluboká nad Vltavou.