With sentiments of ecclesiastical solidarity, the Holy Metropolis of Sweden and All Scandinavia announced the generous donation of the former iconostasis, the Bishop’s Throne, and the chanters’ stands from the Saint George Cathedral of Stockholm to the Parish of the Holy Glorious New Martyr George of Ioannina in Roskilde, Denmark, which until now lacked these essential liturgical and symbolic elements.
This initiative constitutes a tangible expression of our local Church’s care for the needs of our brethren across all the countries that make up the missionary Metropolis of Sweden.
These carved wooden elements, as central components of liturgical life, will contribute decisively to the beautification of the church, the more complete celebration of the sacred services, and the spiritual edification of the faithful of this parish.
The transport and installation of the iconostasis and related items were carried out through the initiative and care of Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia, in cooperation with the receiving parish, under the supervision of Bishop Bartholomew of Elaia, and with the contribution of volunteers from both parishes, Periklis Rentopoulos and Christos Lytridis.
Warm thanks were extended to all who contributed to the realization of this important initiative, and especially to the woodcarvers Dimitrios Karatzas and Ioannis Ntovas, who crafted the new iconostasis of the Cathedral, and who traveled from Ioannina, Greece, a few days ago for the installation of the old iconostasis in Denmark, along with the new icon of the New Martyr Saint George, created by the iconographer Michail Androutsos, also from Ioannina.
The Holy Metropolis and Metropolitan Cleopas, pray that the new iconostasis will become a source of blessing and spiritual strengthening for the parish in Denmark and will contribute to the further development of the church ministry of the local community.
