Örebro, Saturday, October 25, 2025

Very Reverend and Rev. Fathers,

Dearly Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today, with reverence and great joy, we celebrate St. Demetrios of Thessaloniki, the glorious martyr and myrrh-streamer, whose steadfast faith continues to shine as a beacon of hope for the entire Church.

St. Demetrios was still a young man when he confessed Christ before the rulers of this world. His youth was not an obstacle but a strength — a heart aflame with pure devotion, unburdened by fear, focused on the Kingdom of God with the clarity that the Gospel brings.

The Church therefore honors him as a special guardian and protector of young people. Through his life we see that holiness is not the achievement of old age alone; sanctity applies to all age groups.

He could have chosen personal comfort, pursued worldly honor, or remained silent in order to save himself. But instead, he used his gifts and position to lift others up, to encourage the righteous, and to proclaim the truth even when it placed him in danger. He inspired the youth of Thessaloniki then — and continues to inspire young people today — to serve others, to protect those who are vulnerable, and to radiate Christ’s love in a world often filled with confusion and hardship.

His sacrifice — pierced by spears for the sake of the Gospel — reveals a vision not limited by earthly life, but filled with eternal purpose. More than seventeen centuries have passed since his martyrdom, yet his memory is alive because true love never fades, and true faith never dies.

His holy myrrh, which has flowed from his relics through the ages, reminds us that God glorifies those whose hearts are steadfast in love.

St. John Chrysostom calls the martyrs “friends of Christ,” who follow Him faithfully even unto death.

St. Basil the Great teaches us that the martyrs “prefer virtue to life and death to sin,” a truth we see embodied in St. Demetrios.

St. Gregory Palamas praises him as “the mighty defender of Thessaloniki and an unshakable tower for the faithful.”

Young and old alike — let us look to St. Demetrios and allow his example to give shape and direction to our own calling: to be courageous in faith, committed to service, filled with compassion, and unashamed to proclaim Christ in our lives.

May the youth of our parish especially find in him a true friend and heavenly protector — someone who understands their struggles and calls them to greatness, rooted in Christ’s love.

As we honor St. Demetrios today, we also express heartfelt gratitude to our beloved pastor, the Rev. Oikonomos Fr. George Arvanitidis, who guides this flock with faithfulness, and genuine love. Father, we thank you for your dedicated ministry to Christ’s Holy Church and for nurturing our spiritual growth. May the Lord grant you many blessed years and continue to strengthen you in every good work.

To the faithful of this parish and to those who have traveled from other cities and Oslo, to share in this celebration, your presence is a treasured gift. Thank you for honoring St. Demetrios and for uniting your prayers with ours as one family of Christ across distances and nations. Amen!

Stockholm, Sweden — October 23, 2025. On Thursday evening, His Eminence Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia hosted the third meeting of the Catechumens of the Holy Metropolis of Sweden at the Cathedral of St. George in Stockholm (Birger Jarlsgatan 92, 11420 Stockholm).

His Eminence once again served as the keynote speaker and delivered his remarks in English, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of the Catechumens who are preparing to join the Orthodox Church from various countries.

The topic of the session was “The Missionary Work of the Church Throughout the World.” Due to the high level of engagement and the large number of questions submitted by participants, His Eminence presented only the introductory part of his address.

A total of 48 people attended in person, while more than 20 others participated online from countries throughout the Metropolis’ jurisdiction. His Eminence offered clear and thoughtful responses to all questions raised.

At the conclusion of the meeting, refreshments were offered in honor of the young volunteers who serve the local Church in various ministries.

The next Catechumens’ meeting will take place on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the St. George Cathedral. The subject will again focus on Missionary Work, and His Eminence will present his full lecture at that time.

Those outside Stockholm are invited to attend virtually via the following link:

For additional information, please call +46 73 542 9745 or email metropolisofsweden@gmail.com.

We announce to the faithful of the Mother Church of Constantinople in Scandinavia that on Saturday, November 8, 2025, a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia at the Chapel within the Hermitage in Rättvik, Sweden, dedicated to our Father among the Saints, Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the Wonderworker.

During the Divine Liturgy, a memorial service will also be held for the late Archimandrite Eusebios Vittis, the founder of the Hermitage, marking sixteen years since his repose.

The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will begin on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.

All devout Christians and the spiritual children of Father Eusebios are invited to participate in the Divine Liturgy and memorial service, with the assurance that the soul of the blessed Father Eusebios rejoices in the heavens. May we have his blessing!

It is joyfully announced to the faithful of the Holy Metropolis of Sweden that on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the festal Parish of Saints Demetrios and Nestor in the city of Örebro, Sweden (Gode Herdens Kapell, Björkrisvägen 17, 70234 Örebro, Brickebackens Centrum), officiated by His Eminence Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia.

The devout Christians are invited to attend the Divine Liturgy and receive the blessing of Saint Demetrios the Great Martyr and Myrrh-Streamer.

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Högmässa i den firande kyrkan tillägnad de heliga Demetrios och Nestor i Örebro

Det meddelas med glädje till församlingen i det Heliga Metropolitdömet av Sverige att på lördagen den 25 oktober 2025 kl. 10.00 kommer en ärkebiskoplig gudstjänst att hållas i den firande kyrkan de heliga Demetrios och Nestor i Örebro (Gode Herdens Kapell, Björkrisvägen 17, 70234 Örebro, Brickebackens Centrum), ledd av Hans Eminens Metropoliten Cleopas av Sverige och hela Skandinavien.

De troende kristna inbjuds hjärtligt att delta i den gudomliga liturgin och att ta emot välsignelsen från den helige store martyren Demetrios Myrdoftande.

St. George Cathedral of Stockholm

Sunday, October 12, 2025

Dearly Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today we hear one of the most beautiful and important parables that our Lord Jesus Christ ever spoke — the Parable of the Sower. Christ tells us about a man who went out to sow his seed. Some of it fell by the wayside and was eaten by birds; some fell on rocky ground and withered away; some fell among thorns and was choked; and some fell on good soil and produced much fruit.

This parable is not just a story about farming. It is a mirror held up to our hearts. The seed is the Word of God, and the soil is the condition of our souls.

Saint John Chrysostom says that the Lord speaks of the soul as soil because, like earth, it can either bring forth fruit or grow nothing at all. He writes, “The heart of man is able to receive the seed of God’s Word, but whether it bears fruit depends on the care and attention we give to it.”

Every one of us hears the same Word. But not everyone bears the same fruit. The problem is not with the seed — God’s Word is always powerful and full of life. The problem is with the soil, the condition of our hearts.

The first kind of soil, the path, is hard and beaten down. The Word cannot enter because the heart has become closed. Saint Cyril of Alexandria explains that this happens when people hear the Gospel but do not take it seriously, and so “the devil comes and snatches the seed away.” How many times do we hear the Scriptures read in church, yet leave unchanged? How often do we let distractions, doubts, or pride steal the Word from our hearts?

The second kind of soil, the rocky ground, represents those who receive the Word with joy but have no root. Saint Gregory Palamas says that these are people who love the beauty of the Gospel but flee when trials come. When life becomes difficult, their faith withers because it was only on the surface. Brothers and sisters, the Christian life is not just about feelings; it is about faithfulness — holding fast to Christ in times of joy and in times of sorrow.

The third kind of soil, the thorny ground, is where the Word is choked by “the cares, riches, and pleasures of life.” Saint John Chrysostom warns us that even after we begin to grow in faith, we must be careful not to let worldly anxieties suffocate our spiritual life. We all have responsibilities — work, family, finances — but when these things dominate our minds, the Word of God finds no space to breathe.

Finally, there is the good soil — the heart that hears the Word, keeps it, and bears fruit with patience. Notice that Jesus says “with patience.” Spiritual growth is not instant. Saint Nicholas Cabasilas reminds us that grace works gradually in the soul, like a seed growing quietly underground. We must water it with prayer, nourish it with the sacraments, and protect it from the weeds of sin.

The Fathers teach us that the soil of the heart can be changed. Even if our hearts have been hard, rocky, or full of thorns, repentance can transform them. Just as a farmer tills the ground to prepare it for seed, we must cultivate our hearts through confession, humility, and love.

Prayer softens the soil. Fasting removes the stones. Almsgiving pulls out the thorns. And the Holy Eucharist fills the soul with divine life. When we live in communion with Christ, our hearts become fertile ground for the Word to take root and grow.

Saint Gregory the Theologian once said, “Let us become good soil, that we may bear fruit — some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty — but all for the glory of God.” The measure of fruitfulness does not matter as much as our faithfulness. Even a small fruit, grown in humility, is precious in the eyes of the Lord.

Today Christ the Sower passes by once again, scattering His divine Word into the field of our hearts. The question is: what kind of soil will He find? Will His Word find a heart open and ready to receive Him?

Let us each prepare our hearts so that the seed may not be wasted. Let us listen with attention, hold fast with patience, and live the Word we hear. Then the Lord will make us “good soil” — souls that bring forth fruit a hundredfold in faith, in hope, and in love. Amen!

On Friday, October 10, 2025, we welcomed at the St. Georgios Cathedral of Stockholm a group from the Uspensky Cathedral Parish of the Orthodox Archdiocese of Helsinki & All Finland; Archpriest Rev. Fr. Teo Merras, Protodeacon Rev. Juha Lampinen, Diaconal worker Ms. Anneli Tamme (originally from Estonia) and Diaconal worker Ms. Paula Ahonen.

We are pleased to announce the formation of a new youth group at St. George Cathedral of Stockholm, under the name GOYS (Greek Orthodox Youth of Scandinavia), with activities beginning on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.

The group is open to all children from 6th through 12th grade and will meet every Sunday, after the Divine Liturgy, for one hour to discuss interesting topics such as friendship, materialism, spiritual life, and Artificial Intelligence.

In addition, the group will organize exciting activities, such as:

a) Volunteering at the Sandwich Factory, preparing coffee and sandwiches for the homeless in Stockholm,

b) Organizing a youth book sale,

c) Playing board games,

d) Learning how to bake prosphora (offering bread), and

e) Concluding the year with a three-day summer camp in early June of the following year.

If your child is interested in joining GOYS, please contact Mrs. Sophia Fromell at 073 753 1463, or via email at sophiafromell@gmail.com for more information.

Καθεδρικός Ναός Αγίου Γεωργίου Στοκχόλμης

Κυριακή, 5 Οκτωβρίου 2025

Αιδεσιμολογιώτατε π. Γεώργιε,
Μουσικολογιώτατοι,
Αγαπητοί εν Χριστώ Αδελφοί,
Αγαπημένα μας παιδιά,

Στην σημερινή Ευαγγελική περικοπή, ο Χριστός μάς προσφέρει τον «χρυσό κανόνα» της ζωής: «Καθώς θέλετε ἵνα ποιῶσιν ὑμῖν οἱ ἄνθρωποι, καί ὑμεῖς ποιεῖτε αὐτοῖς ὁμοίως».

Μας προτρέπει: «Γίνεσθε οἰκτίρμονες καθώς καί ὁ Πατήρ ὑμῶν οἰκτίρμων ἐστί».

Ο λόγος Του δεν είναι μία απλή ανθρώπινη ηθική, αλλά θεϊκή πρόσκληση, να ζήσουμε όπως ζει ο ίδιος ο Θεός.

Ο Άγιος Ιωάννης ο Χρυσόστομος μάς εξηγεί: «να μην κάνουμε στους άλλους εκείνο που δεν θέλουμε να πάθουμε, και να κάνουμε σ’ εκείνους ό,τι θέλουμε να μας κάνουν».

Συνεχίζει ο Κύριος: «Καί ἐάν ἀγαπᾶτε τούς ἀγαπώντας ὑμᾶς, ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστί;» Δηλαδή, αν περιοριστούμε να αγαπάμε εκείνους που μας αγαπούν, τί το ιδιαίτερο κάνουμε; Αυτό το κάνουν όλοι, ακόμη και οι πιο αμαρτωλοί.

Ο Άγιος Γρηγόριος ο Θεολόγος γράφει: «Το να αγαπάς εκείνους που σε αγαπούν είναι ανθρώπινο, το να αγαπάς εκείνους που δεν σε αγαπούν είναι θείο, το να αγαπάς μάλιστα εκείνους που σε μισούν, είναι όμοιο με τον Θεό».

Το αποκορύφωμα της διδασκαλίας είναι η εντολή, να μιμηθούμε όχι έναν άγγελο ή έναν άγιο, αλλά τον ίδιο τον Θεό!

Να λοιπόν τί σημαίνει να είμαστε ελεήμονες, να συγχωρούμε ακόμη και όταν έχουμε δίκιο, πράττοντας το καλό, χωρίς να περιμένουμε ανταπόδοση και δείχνοντας κατανόηση, αντί να κρίνουμε αυστηρά.

Ο Άγιος Μακάριος ο Αιγύπτιος λέγει: «Η καρδιά που αγάπησε τον Χριστό, αγαπά όλη την κτίση. Δεν μπορεί να μισήσει κανέναν, ακόμη κι αν αδικείται»! Όποιος γίνεται ελεήμων, μοιάζει στον Θεό.

Ας παρακαλέσουμε, λοιπόν, τον Κύριο, να μάς χαρίσει καρδιά καθαρή, γεμάτη ελεημοσύνη, συγχώρηση και αγάπη, ώστε ν᾽ ακουστεί και για μάς ο μακάριος λόγος: «Ἔσεσθε υἱοί Ὑψίστου· ὅτι αὐτός χρηστός ἐστίν ἐπί τούς ἀχαρίστους καί πονηρούς». Αμήν!