With heartfelt emotion, love, and respect, Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia addressed a message of condolence to Archbishop Eugenios II of Crete, on the occasion of the repose in the Lord of the late Metropolitan Damaskinos of Kydonia and Apokoronou.
In his message, Metropolitan Cleopas expresses his personal sorrow, as well as that of the Holy Metropolis of Sweden, standing in prayerful solidarity with the Church of Crete and her faithful people. He acknowledges the multifaceted and fruitful ministry of the late Hierarch, while also making special reference to the bonds that connected the blessed Metropolitan Damaskinos with the missionary Metropolis of Scandinavia.
Find below the full text of Metropolitan of Sweden and All Scandinavia:
To
His Eminence
Archbishop Eugenios II of Crete
In Heraklion
Your Eminence, Most Reverend Brother in Christ,
Having been informed of the repose in the Lord of the now late and ever-memorable Metropolitan Damaskinos of Kydonia and Apokoronou, I hasten through this letter to convey my heartfelt condolences, both personal and on behalf of the clergy and faithful of the Holy Metropolis of Sweden, sharing in the mourning of the Church of Crete.
The late Hierarch, guided by the ideals of faith and love for his homeland, labored tirelessly for the spiritual formation of the sacred clergy entrusted to him and the pious people of God. Possessed of a true missionary spirit, he spared no effort in ministering periodically even within our own Holy Metropolis, serving in various cities, most especially Gothenburg. Most recently, he demonstrated this same pastoral spirit by graciously hosting a newly ordained presbyter of ours for two months, providing for his liturgical training and pastoral development.
Seizing this opportunity, I also hasten, Your Eminence, beloved Brother, to express my heartfelt gratitude to you personally, for your tangible support of my humble missionary eparchy, through the gracious offering of two distinguished clergymen of your Holy Archdiocese, who are soon to serve two of our parishes during the coming Holy and Great Week and the radiant Feast of Pascha.
With all humility, I pray that the Great Shepherd, our Lord, may grant rest to the soul of the departed Metropolitan Damaskinos, and bestow upon Your Eminence health and strength for the continuation of your fruitful pastoral ministry in the Church of Crete. I kindly ask that you also convey my heartfelt condolences to the other esteemed Members of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Church of Crete.
With profound respect and boundless gratitude,
In Stockholm, at the Holy Metropolis
On this 9th day of April, 2025
† Cleopas
Metropolitan of Sweden and All Scandinavia
