On June 1-2, 2026, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Stockholm, in cooperation with the European Institute of International Studies, organized a conference in Stockholm entitled “Interreligious Dialogue and Peace – Building Bridges.”
The event was hosted at the Stiftsgården Marielund facilities in Stockholm and aimed to create a meeting place for religious leaders, government representatives, academics, and civil society organizations in order to promote interreligious cooperation and peace.
The conference built upon the experiences of the first “Stockholm Meeting” held in 2019 and highlighted the need to “build bridges” at a time marked by increasing social tensions, misinformation, and migration-related challenges.
The event focused on four principal themes: 1. Combating misinformation and polarization; 2. Inclusive migration and integration policies; 3. Interreligious cooperation as an instrument of peace; 4. Empowering religious leaders as agents of peace.
In his presentation, Metropolitan Cleopas spoke about the history and missionary work of the Holy Metropolis of Sweden and All Scandinavia. He noted that following his enthronement in 2014, catechetical and youth departments were established in every parish, offering classes in iconography and Byzantine music. Furthermore, the Greek Orthodox Youth of Scandinavia (GOYS) was founded to promote volunteerism and solidarity.
He emphasized that within a twelve-year period, the number of adult baptisms and chrismations increased significantly, reaching approximately 300, while thirteen new parishes were established in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland.
Holy services are celebrated in Greek, English, and the Scandinavian languages. In addition, a trilingual edition of the Divine Liturgy and extensive catechetical material have been published. Meetings for catechumens and newly illumined Orthodox Christians are held both in person and online in English, Swedish, and Norwegian, underscoring that Orthodoxy is addressed to all peoples.
The Metropolitan also referred to the renovation of the St. George Cathedral of Stockholm, which serves as a center of spiritual reconciliation and dialogue. The renovation included the establishment of a Museum of Hellenic-Christian Heritage, a library, and administrative offices, all of which were inaugurated by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew during His visits in 2019 and 2025.
He further highlighted the Metropolis’ cooperation with the Roman Catholic Church, the Lutheran Church, and other faith communities.
Particular emphasis was placed on education, volunteer service, and digital ministry. He described the operation of educational programs, podcasts, and online broadcasts.
Subsequently, he spoke about the leadership of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, His visits to Scandinavia, and the messages of peace, ecological responsibility, and justice that characterized them, stressing that “without justice there can be no peace.”
He also presented proposals on how religious leaders can contribute to peace through the cultivation of inner peace, prioritizing education and dialogue, supporting migrants and refugees, advocating for social justice and environmental protection, and utilizing digital media.
In conclusion, he proposed that the next conference be hosted at the facilities of the Saint George Cathedral of Stockholm. He also presented the conference organizers with copies of his recently published study in English entitled Saint George Cathedral of Stockholm, published by the Apostoliki Diakonia of the Church of Greece.
