The Holy Metropolis of Sweden and All Scandinavia and His Eminence Metropolitan Cleopas express their deepest sorrow for the tragic accident that occurred this afternoon in Stockholm, on a central avenue above the Cathedral of Saint George, when a public transportation bus veered off course and crashed into a stop, resulting in the loss of human life and the injury of our fellow citizens.

Metropolitan Cleopas conveys his sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, sharing in their profound grief and praying for the repose of the souls of the departed. At the same time, he wishes a swift and full recovery to all those injured.

The Holy Metropolis of Sweden affirms its practical support to those affected, offering every possible spiritual and psychological assistance during these difficult hours, and calls upon all the faithful to unite their prayers for the victims and their families.

May the All-Good God grant comfort to the mourners and peace to every heart.

On the afternoon of Thursday, November 6th, 2025, the fourth consecutive meeting of Catechumens and Newly Illumined of the Holy Metropolis of Sweden took place in the welcoming premises of the St. George Cathedral of Stockholm (Birger Jarlsgatan 92, 114 20 Stockholm), with the participation of 50 young people in person and another 25 online.

Once again, His Eminence Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia served as the speaker, addressing the participants in the English language, in order to accommodate the diverse group of Catechumens and newly baptized faithful who come from various countries and cultural backgrounds.

The topic of the presentation was the continuation of the lecture entitled:
“The Missionary Work of the Church throughout the World.”

His Eminence presented the full content of his address, referring to the apostolic identity of the Orthodox Church, as well as the contemporary witness of the faith across all continents.

During the session, participants once again posed thoughtful and insightful questions, to which His Eminence offered well-founded and pastoral responses.

At the conclusion of the meeting, refreshments were offered in honor of all who were present, particularly the young people who serve the local Church faithfully and with dedication in various ministries.

The next meeting will take place on Thursday, November 20th, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., in the same location, and will inaugurate a new cycle of thematic presentations. (The entrance is from the church drive way.)

Those residing outside Stockholm may follow the meeting online at the link below:

For further information, please contact: +46 73 542 9745 or at metropolisofsweden@gmail.com

On Sunday morning, November 9, 2025, His Eminence Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Saint George Cathedral of Stockholm, in honor of the feast of our Father among the Saints, Nectarios, Metropolitan of Pentapolis of Libya, patron saint of the island of Aegina. On this occasion, His Eminence also brought a relic of the Saint to bless and sanctify the faithful.

Serving together with the Shepherd of the Scandinavian Lands were the Very Reverend Archimandrite Bartholomew Iatridis, Pastor of the Cathedral, as well as visiting clergy: the Reverend Hieromonk Hieronymos (José Quintero) of the Holy Metropolis of Mexico, and the Reverend Protopresbyter Nectarios from Syria, a clergyman of the Holy Metropolis of Nea Krini and Kalamaria.

Both guest clergy speak the Greek language fluently and are distinguished for their extensive learning and missionary zeal. Because of their presence, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in Greek, Swedish, English, Spanish, and Arabic.

Following his bilingual sermon and introduction of the visiting clergy, Metropolitan Cleopas presented them with the liturgical edition of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom in Greek, Swedish, and English, published by the Apostoliki Diakonia of the Church of Greece.

The Metropolitan then welcomed Mrs. Agnetha Hilding Qvarnström, representative of the Kyrkvädsföreningen i Stockholms Stift organization. He presented her, as well as members of the organization who were seated in the front rows as honored guests, with the same liturgical edition.

After the customary Sunday fellowship gathering in the Cathedral Fellowship Hall, His Eminence provided the Swedish visitors with an overview of the history of the Holy Metropolis in Scandinavia, the Cathedral, the presence of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Northern Lands, and the missionary and pastoral work being carried out. He also answered questions and concluded the visit with a guided tour of the Museum of Hellenic-Christian Heritage.

During the three-day period of October 31st, November 1st and 2nd, 2025, His Eminence Archbishop Elia of Helsinki and All Finland visited Stockholm on the occasion of the feast of the Synaxis of the Saints of Karelia.

Specifically, at midday on Friday, October 31st, His Eminence Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia, accompanied by the Very Reverend Archimandrite Bartholomew Iatridis, welcomed at Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport the new Archbishop of Helsinki and All Finland, His Eminence Elia, who was accompanied by the Reverend Protopresbyter Mikael Sundkvist and the Reverend Archdeacon Andreas Salminen. They then attended a luncheon graciously offered by businessman Mr. Konstantinos Zisis.

In the afternoon of the same day, the Hierarchs of the Mother Church and the above-mentioned Clergy were received by the Ambassador of Finland to Sweden, His Excellency Mr. Olli Kantanen, with whom they exchanged views on ecclesiastical and current matters affecting both countries.

The Shepherd of the Scandinavian Lands offered His Excellency his published study in English regarding the Patriarchal Visit of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Stockholm, in 2019.

That evening, Metropolitan Cleopas hosted a dinner in honor of the Archbishop and his accompanying Clergy, at a local restaurant.

On the morning of Saturday, November 1st, 2025, Archbishop Elia presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Finnish Parish of Saint Nicholas in Stockholm, at which Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia participated in prayer. He was accompanied by the chief Legal Advisor of the Metropolis, Mr. Rafail Poumeyrau.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Cleopas addressed Archbishop Elias appropriately.

That evening, Metropolitan Cleopas again offered a dinner in honor of the Archbishop and his Entourage.

On the morning of Sunday, November 2nd, 2025, Metropolitan Cleopas welcomed Archbishop Elia and his clergy at the Saint George Cathedral of Stockholm.

A concelebration of the Hierarchs followed. At its conclusion, Metropolitan Cleopas welcomed Archbishop Elia for the second time, following the Patriarchal Visit last August, expressing his gratitude for his honored presence and his overall support of the Finnish Parish of Saint Nicholas.

He offered him a Hierarchical medalion/Engolpion, as well as his latest study on the first Metropolitan of Sweden, the late Polyefktos.

Then, Archbishop Elia thanked Metropolitan Cleopas for his generous hospitality and bestowed upon him the Cross of the Order of the Archdiocese of Finland, together with its accompanying insignia.

He also expressed his joy for the brotherly relations between the two Churches, for the benefit of the Mother Church of Constantinople. He spoke about the venerable Head of Orthodoxy, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and expressed his admiration for the restoration work of the Cathedral, which he remembered from his student years.

In his address, delivered in Greek and English, Metropolitan Cleopas stated: “Today, in our worship Synaxis, we welcome His Eminence Archbishop Elia of Helsinki and All Finland, together with his companions, Father Mikael and Archdeacon Andreas, who have been in Stockholm since the day before yesterday on the occasion of the celebration of the Synaxis of the Saints of Karelia, who were honored yesterday in our Finnish Parish of Saint Nicholas.

Today we have the exceptional honor and blessing to welcome His Eminence with his esteemed Entourage for the second time, after the Patriarchal Chorostasia here of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, on August 24th of this year, in order to reaffirm our fraternal relationship and to thank him, because he grants canonical permission to distinguished Clergy of his Archdiocese to visit and offer the Holy Sacraments to our Finnish Parish, for which we are deeply grateful for his unwavering support.

We wish you, Your Eminence, health, strength, and the abundant blessing of God in your Archpastoral ministry, and may you enjoy the fruits of your labors! Welcome!

Today we heard the Parable of the Rich Man and Poor Lazarus. It is not simply a narrative, but a calling; a signpost for our spiritual life.

In the parable, we discern the rich man who lives in luxury and self-indulgence, and Lazarus who is in poverty and pain, silent and patient, near the gate of the rich man.

The two figures represent two familiar ways of life. The rich man is not condemned because he possesses wealth, but because he does not see his brother, does not recognize his social responsibility, and does not glorify God through his blessings.

Lazarus, although poor, has a name: ‘Lazarus,’ which means ‘God is my help.’

The parable then moves to the afterlife. Lazarus is carried to the bosom of Abraham, while the rich man descends into Hades. The reversal is clear: our life on earth determines the soul’s condition after death. This is not merely a warning, but a call to transformation now.

Greed and avarice isolate the human being; covetousness becomes idolatry. Compassion toward our neighbor is an expression of faith.

Let us escape indifference and become active. Let us make the decision to show mercy, with our eyes fixed on the Lord, who loves the humble and justifies the repentant, so that when the day comes that we stand before Him, we may hear His blessed words: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”

Your Eminence,

Fr. Mikael & Archdeacon Andreas,

With profound reverence and sincere joy, we welcome You today at our Cathedral.

Your presence among us this day is not only a blessing, but also a visible sign of the living unity of the Church of Christ, which transcends boundaries of geography and culture, binding us together in one common faith, prayer, and Eucharist, under the Mother Church of Constantinople.

We express our profound gratitude for the consistent and generous support that the Autonomous Church of Finland provides to our beloved St. Nicholas Finnish Orthodox Parish of Stockholm.

The regular sending of clergy—who travel from Finland to Stockholm, to serve the Divine Liturgy, to offer the Holy Sacraments, to provide guidance, comfort, and encouragement—this is not a small gift. It is a sacrifice of time, energy, and resources.

Your Eminence, your concern for our pastoral life reflects the care of the Good Shepherd.

Today, your second official visit as Archbishop reminds us that we are not alone. We are part of the one Orthodox Church—united in faith, in prayer, in apostolic tradition.

At this point, please allow me to offer you these two small gifts; an engolpion & my latest book on the first Metropolitan of Sweden the late Polyefktos Finfinis.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always and with your Esteemed Entourage, Fr. Mikael & Protodeacon Andreas. Thank you.”

After the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence Archbishop Elia, together with the clergy accompanying him, the President of the Finnish Parish of Saint Nicholas in Stockholm and the Director of the Parish Choir, Mr. Jukka Aminoff, the Chief Legal Adviser to the Holy Metropolis of Sweden Mr. Rafail Poumeyrau, Mr. and Mrs. Benedict Svendberg, and His Eminence Metropolitan Cleopas, attended a luncheon offered in honor of the visiting delegation by the Cathedral Philoptochos Ladies Society, under the gracious care of its President Mrs. Fotini Batsela, and Mrs. Tania Svendberg, held on the premises of the Museum of Hellenic-Christian Heritage, within the Cathedral grounds.

Thereafter, Metropolitan Cleopas accompanied Archbishop Elia and his honorable entourage to Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport, where he bid farewell to them, once again expressing his gratitude for their distinguished visit and for the reaffirmation of their mutual fraternal relations and fruitful cooperation.

On Sunday, October 26, 2025, His Eminence Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Saint George in Stockholm, assisted by the Cathedral’s Pastor, the Very Reverend Archimandrite Bartholomew Iatridis.

Following the dismissal of the Divine Liturgy, a Doxology (Thanksgiving) Service was held, attended by Her Excellency Mrs. Aikaterini Fontoulaki, Ambassador of Greece to Sweden; the Presidents of the two Greek Schools of Stockholm, the Honorable Mr. Petros Anastasiadis and Mr. Fotis Panitsas; a large number of children; and a devout and enthusiastic congregation.

At the conclusion of the Doxology, Her Excellency the Ambassador read the message of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, responsible for Greeks Abroad, His Excellency Mr. Ioannis Michail Loverdos.

Metropolitan Cleopas then delivered an address appropriate to the occasion, speaking about the multiple meanings of the day and of the National Holiday. He congratulated those present, and particularly the children, who through their participation and traditional costumes conveyed the spirit and message of the double celebration. He offered special thanks to Mrs. Alexandra Zorpidou, who consistently takes care of the traditional attire of both young and old, as well as to the Lyceum of Greek Women of Stockholm.

His Eminence stated the following in his homily:

“Your Excellency Ambassador of Greece Ms. Fountoulaki,
Very Reverend Father Bartholomeos,
Honored Chanters,
Dearly beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Our beloved children,

Today’s Gospel reading presents the moving account of the healing of the demon-possessed man of Gadarens. Christ meets a man tormented and broken, who had lost both reason and peace. He lived in isolation among the tombs, without communion with others.

Yet in the midst of his despair, Christ approaches him with love. With a single word, He casts out the demons, and the man stands forth ‘clothed and in his right mind.’

This miracle reveals the profound theology of freedom, that Christ came into the world to liberate the human person not only from physical slavery, but above all from spiritual captivity.

The greatest bondage is not only external oppression, but the enslavement of the soul to passions, fear, and hopelessness.

The delivered man wishes to follow Christ, but the Lord tells him: ‘Return to your home and proclaim all that God has done for you.’ Preach salvation through your life itself. Thus, he becomes a newly-called disciple — a new missionary!

Within this message of spiritual freedom, our Holy Church also celebrates today the Anniversary of October 28, 1940. Then too, our nation confronted the most ruthless form of bondage — dark and inhuman.

The powers of that age sought to enslave a small country, to strip away its freedom, dignity, and soul. Yet just as Christ dispelled the darkness from the Gadarene, so too He illumined the heart of the Greek people, and the sacred word ‘NO’ (‘OXI’) resounded: the ‘NO’ of faith and freedom.

With a prayer on their lips, the Cross on their chest, and the flag in their hands, the Greeks stood upright in the face of the threat of darkness. They fashioned immortality out of sacrifice, ignoring the reckless, the cynical and the toxic, as well as the opportunists of their time. Faith in Christ preserved the nation’s freedom.

Today, many still suffer slavery — not with chains, but with addictions, sins, fears, and despair. Our age has many ‘Gadarenes’ — people without peace, without direction, without God.

Yet, every time a Greek struggles for what is just, stands with dignity amid trials, because that flame lives again.

In every field, Greeks continue to write history: In diplomacy and the arts, in culture and education, in scientific research and in athletics.

From Olympic stadiums to laboratories, the Greek spirit shines — in the leaps of Miltos Tentoglou, in the gold medal of Myriokephalitaki, in Paralympic champion Nasos Gavelas, in the world-champion Alexandris sisters, in Stefanos Douskos and Manolos Karalis, in Milena Kontou & Valia Lykomitrou, in Maria-Louiza Gika, and in Yiannis Poubouridis, European boxing champion; in the National Basketball Team with its Eurobasket bronze medal; in the scientists of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki who created the world’s fastest AI processor; and in the two 17-year-old Greek girls crowned champions in the Microsoft World Informatics Competition, Eleni Karakasidou and Argyro Petsa.

And for all who struggle passionately on the track of life, the Greek ideal of ‘noble striving’ lives and inspires.

Times may change, but one truth remains: Greece has never ceased to inspire. Small in size, yet immeasurable in the power of her soul.

Please allow me to conclude with the timely words spoken in this very Cathedral by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, on August 21, 1993:

“When you left your ancestral homeland and journeyed to foreign lands, you crossed the borders of Greece — but you did not cross the borders of Hellenism nor of Orthodoxy. The Greek State has borders. Hellenism does not, just as culture and freedom have no borders. And Orthodoxy has no borders, just as love and truth have no borders. For this reason, although you may be far from Greece, you nevertheless continue to be a living part of Hellenism and of Orthodoxy, under the Ecumenical care of the centuries-old sacred institution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Those Greek emigrants of antiquity were the first to spread Greek civilization far beyond metropolitan Greece. Later, through the conquests of Alexander the Great, this civilization was extended deep into the East, as far as the heart of Asia, and southward into the lands of Africa.

Rome also came to conquer Greece; yet, in the end, it was conquered by Greek civilization and became the vehicle for its spread to the lands of Western Europe. In this way, Greek civilization became universal, and the Greek language became the global means of communication among peoples.

Upon these foundations the modern European civilization was built. And for this reason, we see that most of the fundamental concepts of contemporary culture are expressed in European languages with Greek words, such as theology, philosophy, poetry, politics, economy, physics, mathematics.

Even the Swedish word for church, ‘Kyrka,’ derives from the Greek ‘Kyriakon,’ meaning ‘the House of the Lord.’

And even the two opposing concepts that dominate modern reality at the end of the twentieth century are expressed with Greek words: ‘technology’ and ‘ecology.’

Rejoice in the Lord, and ‘if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live in peace with all people’ (Romans 12:18): live in peace with your fellow Greeks, live in peace with the other Orthodox and Christians in this Land, live in peace with all. And may our Patriarchal blessing and the grace of our Savior Jesus Christ be with you all, brethren and children.”

(Vasileios Th. Stavridis, Professor of the Holy Theological School of Halki, “The Patriarch in Sweden (August 20-24, 1993), History of the Church of Sweden, Ecumenical Patriarchate – Church of Sweden, Holy Metropolis of Sweden,” Epektasis Publications, pp. 59–65.)

Today, therefore, as we honor October 28th, the Holy Protection of the Theotokos, and Saint Demetrios the Myrrh-Bearer, let us bow our heads with reverence to the memory of those who sacrificed themselves — and let us look forward to a future that calls us to prove ourselves worthy of them.

Let us say our own ‘NO’ in our own time: No to indifference, No to violence, No to injustice. And let us say our own ‘YES’: Yes to knowledge, Yes to creativity, Yes to humanity.

For Hellenism is not only a history we read — it is a flame we carry in our hands.

Long live October 28th!

Long live our Nation!

Long live our Greek Diaspora in Scandinavia!

Congratulations to our children in their traditional costumes! May they always be blessed!”

After the service, the dignitaries and many parishioners gathered in the Cathedral’s adjoining Fellowship Hall, where coffee and refreshments were offered by the Cathedral’s Philoptochos Ladies Society.

During the fellowship hour, a conversation took place between His Eminence Metropolitan Cleopas and the Presidents of the two Greek Schools of Stockholm. His Eminence announced that within the week he would formally invite them to attend an upcoming Sunday Divine Liturgy, to address the congregation and present the history and work of their schools; thus expressing the unwavering support of our local Church for the Greek-educated youth of our Omogeneia/Greek Community at large, in Scandinavia, and our shared commitment to the preservation and promotion of our Greek-Orthodox heritage, culture and history.

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.

---

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!