The Metropolis of Sweden is presenting new initiatives, in order to maintain an open channel of communication with its members, while concurrently reaching out to every well-intentioned person interested in broadening their spiritual horizons.”
The aim is “to welcome noteworthy individuals whose active participation in our community life will enrich our Church and Community life through new endeavors and ministries.”
Specifically, the Encyclical of the Metropolitan of Sweden Cleopa states:
Episcopal Encyclical for the Establishment of “Sunday Dedications”
Reverend Fathers, Beloved Members, and Friends of the Holy Metropolis of Sweden,
I am reaching out to you via this Episcopal Encyclical to inform you that as part of the framework of our pastoral ministry to better familiarize ourselves with the spiritual pursuits and priorities of our parishioners in the five nations constituting the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s historic Eparchy in Scandinavia, we have invited three specially trained young adults from the United States to support our new pastoral ministries and initiatives through their knowledge and experience.
The target areas on which we shall focus beginning with the start of the new ecclesiastical year 2021-2022 will cover the youth, missionary outreach targeting persons interested in the Orthodox Church and faith, and, of course, internet ministry.
Within this framework, one of our Metropolis’ new initiatives will include the establishment of “Sunday Dedications” recognizing the unique contribution of specific demographic groups, who also happen to be members of our local Church.
The purpose of these recognitions/tributes will be to maintain an open channel of communication with our members, highlighting their contribution in various fields, while concurrently reaching out to every well-intentioned person interested in broadening their spiritual horizons, so as to welcome noteworthy individuals whose active participation in our community life will enrich our Church and Community life through new endeavors and ministries.
Our “Sunday Dedications” aim at recognizing the valuable services offered by our fellow men and women to society, and, consequently, the Church.
We initially chose eight Sundays in which to honor the doctors and medical staff who are leading the daily fight in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic, young couples whose matrimonial union was blessed in our parishes, parents, and godparents who have undertaken the spiritual upbringing of our youth, parish volunteers and missionaries.
These “Sunday Dedications” will also celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, a one-day Greek Festival, as well as a two-day youth retreat.
On September 1st you will receive an e-mail with a list of the scheduled “Sunday Dedications” and the dates on which they will be held. You are encouraged to take initiatives in your parishes, with the support of parish councils, volunteers and collaborators to inform the faithful about this new ministry and establish our “Sunday Dedications” at the local level as well.
With heartfelt paternal wishes for a blessed upcoming Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos,
† Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden
Stockholm, August 10, 2021