Cologne, December 25, 2025 17:56:00 — A masked man disrupted a Christmas Eve service at Cologne Cathedral on Monday, briefly interrupting the afternoon vespers before being escorted out by cathedral security.
A man wearing a mask and dark robe disrupted a Christmas Eve service at Cologne Cathedral, prompting a swift response from security.
- A man wearing a mask and robe disrupted a Christmas Eve service at Cologne Cathedral.
- The man reportedly rushed forward during the service and performed a dance, according to reports.
- Police confirmed the incident but did not intervene, and the man has been banned from the cathedral.
The disruption occurred during the Christvesper service, one of the most peaceful days of the year, when a man wearing a mask and dark robe entered the cathedral and caused a disturbance, according to reports from Express.de.
A video of the incident is circulating on Instagram, drawing widespread criticism from users. Bild reported that the man, wearing a golden mask and plush ears, rushed forward during the service and began to dance.
Masked Man Shouts at Security: “Don’t Touch Me”
Police confirmed the incident to EXPRESS.de, but stated they were only informed after the fact and did not need to intervene. During a livestream of the service on the Domradio YouTube channel, the man could be heard shouting loudly within the cathedral during a sermon.
Cathedral security personnel quickly ended the disruption within seconds, and the motive behind the incident remains unclear. Police stated there is currently no reason to launch a further investigation. Dom-Sprecher Markus Frädrich told the General-Anzeiger that the man has been banned from the cathedral.
The incident was captured on video and shared widely on Instagram after being posted by the account “artofurbanlife.” Many users commented on the video expressing outrage, with some writing, “I don’t find this funny at all. Respect is paramount” and “Regardless of faith, respect is essential. If you are in a church, behave accordingly.”
The video also captured the man shouting “Pack mich nicht an” (“Don’t touch me”) repeatedly at a cathedral security guard as he was escorted through the aisle and out of the building. The man left the cathedral accompanied by another security guard without further incident. The Christvesper service, which began at 4:30 p.m., continued without further interruption.
Background and Context
This incident echoes a more significant disruption at Cologne Cathedral in 2013. During a protest on December 25th, Femen activist Josephine Witt ran naked onto the altar in front of Cardinal Joachim Meisner, with the words “I am God” written in black paint on her torso. Witt was detained by police until the end of the service and subsequently fined 600 euros.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by Express.de, Bild, and General-Anzeiger and added independent analysis and context.
