On the afternoon of Thursday, January 15th, 2026, the 7th consecutive meeting with Catechumens and newly illumined faithful took place at the premises of the Saint George Cathedral of Stockholm (Birger Jarlsgatan 92, 11420).
Following the exchange of New Year’s greetings and the presentation of the newly elected Bishop of Elaia, His Grace Bartholomew, until now Parish Priest of the Cathedral, Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden addressed the gathering of Catechumens in English.
He presented and analyzed his recently published article entitled “Light and Water at Theophany and in Ancient Greece,” and answered questions from the continually growing group of Catechumens, who numbered over 60 in physical attendance and more than 30 online.
At the conclusion of the meeting, following the discussion and questions, the traditional Vasilopita was cut, and a traditional Greek dinner and desserts were offered. These were prepared by the volunteer ladies Alexandra Zorpidou, Aikaterini Kavaltzi, Asimina Kasagianni, and Spyridoula Karakatsani.
The next meeting, God willing, has been scheduled for Thursday, January 29th, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. (Swedish time) (entrance from the church parking lot).
On this occasion, His Eminence will present in English the following two timely topics:
a) “New Year: From Secular to Sacred Time”
b) “Vasilopita and New Year’s Traditions, from Antiquity to the Present Day.”
Those who reside outside Stockholm may follow the meeting online via the following link: https://discord.gg/WuffgrFQp5
For further information, you may contact us by telephone at +46 73 542 9745 or by email at metropolisofsweden@gmail.com
