Czech Ambassador Miloslav Stašek embarked on a momentous visit of the city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to meet with local leaders and to tour the Moravian Church Settlements, a transnational UNESCO World Heritage Site, on May 5, 2026.

Ambassador Stašek and Head of the Public Diplomacy Department of the Czech Embassy, Markéta Vohralíková, met with Mayor J. William Reynolds to discuss the historic, architectural and current significance of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and its connection to the Czech Republic. It is known that American greats George and Martha Washington, John Adams, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin, Ethan Allen, and the Marquis de Lafayette worshipped in the Moravian settlement’s Old Chapel. Hence, the Ambassador’s visit underlined the historical relevance of Moravians upon the commemoration of 250^th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.

As part of his visit, the Ambassador also met with representatives of the Moravian Church, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Moravian Archives. Senior Pastor Janel Rice offered understanding into the mission and work of the Central Moravian Church. Dr. Katherine Faull and Senior Advisor Charlene Donchez Mowers provided brilliant historical insight and, along with others, gave a wonderful tour of the well-preserved buildings of the Moravian settlement. The Ambassador was honored to be able to enter the Moravian Archives with Archivist Paul Peucker to view the historical documents and artifacts, which preserve the legacy, beliefs, and teachings of the Moravians who contributed to settling Pennsylvania.

Moreover, Ambassador Stašek had the pleasure to be welcomed to Moravian University by President Bryon Grigsby and to learn about the university’s academics. John Amos Comenius’ legacy and vision of universal education are the founding ideals of Moravian University and his large likeness in statute form, as gifted by Charles University of Prague in 1960 and sculpted by distinguished Moravian-born artist Vincent Makovský, remains the focal point of the campus. The Ambassador even spoke with Karolína Žáková, a Czech student studying at Moravian University and highlighting student and cultural exchange between the university and Czechia.

Significantly, the Ambassador retraced the steps of late Czech President, dissident and playwright Václav Havel, who rededicated the Comenius statue on October 27, 1991, during his celebrated visit to the United States of America after the fall of Communism. This year, the Czech Republic marks the 90^th anniversary since the birth of Václav Havel.

About the Moravian Church Settlements
The Moravian Church Settlements were established in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 1741, by the Moravian church, a protestant denomination hailing from the Moravian region of what is now the Czech Republic. With them to America, the Moravians brought religion, emphasizing communion, personal prayer, family devotion and spiritual equality for all. Moreover, based on the teachings of the great Moravian-born pedagogue and educational reformer Jan Amos Komenský (John Amos Comenius), they advocated for universal education, regardless of gender or social standing, and recognized women as the primary educators of the family.

For more information, please click HERE for a press release from the Moravian University.

Author:  Andrea Pohl