On Wednesday afternoon, September 17, 2025, Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia, accompanied by Archimandrite Bartholomew Iatridis, participated in the Christian Council of Churches in Sweden’s proceedings, held at the council’s Stockholm headquarters.
One of the main topics of discussion was the conclusions drawn from the recently celebrated “Ecumenical Week,” which took place in August and had the theme “Time for God’s Peace.” A highlight of the events was the honorary invitation of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who delivered the keynote address at the most significant gatherings.
The events were held exactly 100 years after the International Christian Conference, which was organized in Stockholm in 1925 under the theme “Life and Action.” That conference was convened by Lutheran Archbishop Nathan Söderblom, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1930. The historic conference was also attended by Patriarch Photios Peroglou of Alexandria and Metropolitan Germanos Strinopoulos of Thyateira and Great Britain, who was the representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Metropolitan Cleopas expressed gratitude to Lutheran Archbishop Martin Modéus and his collaborators, including Christian Council Secretary General Dr. Sofia Camnerin, Peter Lindvall, Jonas Thorängen, and Fredrik Lidé.
As a token of appreciation for the Lutheran Church of Sweden and the Christian Council of Churches in Sweden’s excellent cooperation and support in welcoming and hosting His All-Holiness and his venerable entourage, Metropolitan Cleopas offered flowers and an icon of Saint George. The icon commemorates the consecration of the Cathedral of Saint George in Stockholm on Sunday, August 24, 2025, by the Chief Hierarch of Orthodoxy himself.
He also presented his latest scholarly work, which is dedicated to his predecessor, the late Metropolitan Polyefktos Finfinis. The work is titled: Polyefktos Finfinis, Metropolitan of Sweden and All Scandinavia, 1969–1974. The icon and publication were both editions of the Apostolic Ministry of the Church of Greece and its director general, Metropolitan Agathangelos of Fanarion.
Subsequently, participants in the Council’s proceedings were divided into groups and asked to collaborate and reflect within fifteen minutes on the impact of the “Ecumenical Week” on the hearts of participants and members of their respective churches.
Afterwards, Metropolitan Cleopas emphasized the importance of inner peace as a gift from God and its cultivation through spiritual struggle and participation in the sacramental life of the Church. He further stressed the significance of celebrating this week as an opportunity for unity, solidarity, and cooperation among Christian churches and their members.
Finally, he expressed his agreement with previous speakers regarding the preparation and publication of a commemorative volume on the “Ecumenical Week.” The volume would include photographic material as well as the presentations and events that took place. It would also include a nominal list of participants and contributors to the organization and realization of the events. The aim is to ensure that the great Christian virtues of peace, coexistence, and solidarity are experienced by all, especially the youth and future generations.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
