Overview

• About 4,000 supporters attended the eleventh annual ecumenical Andacht in Cologne Cathedral, where Stadtdechant Robert Kleine led prayers for a healthy, fair season.
• Local band Bläck Fööss performed a surprise jubilee song and organist Wolf-Rüdiger Spiegel accompanied the congregation in singing the club hymn.
• The club unveiled a black away jersey featuring gothic column motifs, gargoyles and the inscription '15. August 1248 – 777 Jahre – 15. August 2025' at the service.
• Fans purchased more than 7,000 kits within hours of the launch, with proceeds pledged to the Dom-Bauverein and the jersey set to debut in the upcoming DFB-Pokal match at Jahn Regensburg.
• Organizers emphasized the non-partisan, ecumenical purpose of the event, aiming to unite civic heritage, faith and fandom rather than pray for any single club’s victory.