With profound gratitude to Almighty God and with great spiritual joy, the Holy Metropolis of Sweden announces the successful completion of its first Summer Camp, a historic milestone in the life and ministry of the local Church.
The camp was held in the picturesque region of Gnesta, where the lush Scandinavian landscape and serene waters provided an ideal setting for spiritual growth, fellowship, recreation, and meaningful human interaction.
For the first time, the youth of the Holy Metropolis were given the opportunity to experience camp life within a safe, well-organized, and inspiring environment, where education, recreation, spiritual formation, and appreciation of nature were harmoniously combined.
During the three-day program, the participants developed friendships, strengthened the spirit of cooperation and mutual support, engaged in athletic and cultural activities, deepened their knowledge of their roots, traditions, and Orthodox Christian heritage, and experienced the joy of Christian community and fellowship.
The close contact of children and young people with nature contributes significantly to their physical and emotional well-being, cultivates environmental awareness, and nurtures a sense of wonder and gratitude for the gifts of God’s creation.
At a time when many young people face increasing challenges, including social isolation, excessive dependence on digital media, and a lack of meaningful interpersonal communication, the camping experience offers a valuable opportunity for personal growth and development.
Through communal living, the assumption of responsibilities, teamwork, and participation in shared activities, young people gain self-confidence, strengthen their character, and cultivate virtues and values that will accompany them throughout their lives.
On the morning of Saturday, June 13, 2026, Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden, accompanied by His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Elaia, visited the local parish of Frustuna Församling, situated near the campsite.
There, His Eminence celebrated the Divine Liturgy, during which the hymns were chanted by His Grace Bishop Bartholomew, Dr. Georgios Sidiras, and Ms. Iliana Antoniou. Ms Antoniou had also prepared several of the children on the previous day, enabling them to participate in the chanting and liturgical responses.
The hymns were offered in Greek, Swedish, and English, while His Eminence addressed the children on the camp’s spiritual theme, drawn from the words of the Apostle Paul: “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).
The Reverend Anders Ekhem, pastor of the local Lutheran parish, warmly welcomed His Eminence, His Grace, the camp leaders, and the children. He joined the campers for breakfast and spent time speaking with the young participants in a spirit of friendship and hospitality.
Following the meal, Rev. Ekhem guided the group through the parish’s ecclesiastical museum. As a token of gratitude, His Eminence Metropolitan Cleopas presented him with a copy of the trilingual edition of the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, published by the Apostoliki Diakonia of the Church of Greece.
The Holy Metropolis of Sweden expresses its heartfelt appreciation to all those who contributed to the success of this pioneering initiative; the camp coordinators, and especially Mr. & Mrs. Oto Axel Fromell, the volunteers, the seven group leaders, the parents, and above all the nineteen children whose enthusiasm and participation brought this endeavour to life.
The success of this first Summer Camp inspires confidence for the future and reaffirms the conviction that investing in the spiritual and personal development of the youth is an investment in the future of both the Church and society.
