On Saturday, 24 January 2026, Cleopas of Sweden, Metropolitan of Sweden and All Scandinavia, presided at the Divine Liturgy at Ansgarskyrkan, a church graciously made available by the Church of Sweden, in the city of Örebro.
The Metropolitan was accompanied by Bartholomew of Elaia, Bishop-elect of Elaia, and the Protopresbyter Georgios Arvanitidis, Parish Priest of the Holy Parish of Saints Demetrios and Nestor in Örebro. The hymns of the day were chanted by volunteers Panagiotis Mallios and Nikolaos Pechlivanidis.
In his homily, the Metropolitan reflected on the Gospel passage of the healing of the blind man of Jericho. Speaking at the beginning of the new year 2026 and within the framework of his pastoral visitations, he noted that the purpose of his presence was “to share in your lives, exchange wishes, and reflect together on our journey in the new year.” Referring to the blind man of the Gospel, he described him as someone who “could neither see nor feel an active member of society,” burdened by bitterness, rejection, and loneliness, and often ignored by those around him.
The Metropolitan underlined the blind man’s remarkable perseverance and faith, emphasizing his cry, “Jesus, have mercy on me,” despite being rebuked by the crowd. “How can we not admire his endurance, patience, and persistence?” he asked. In contrast to the crowd, Christ did not overlook him but stopped, called him near, and asked, “What do you want Me to do for you?” When the man asked for his sight, Christ healed him immediately, affirming that his faith had saved him. The healed man then followed Christ, glorifying God.
Turning the message inward, the Metropolitan invited the faithful to self-examination, asking how often they themselves overlook those who suffer, despite enjoying health, material comfort, and social stability. He reminded the congregation that Christ may pose the same question to each person: “What do you want Me to do for you?” Concluding, he encouraged all to seek the Lord through the prayer of the heart: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
After the homily, the Metropolitan addressed the children of the Catechetical School, thanked the clergy, volunteer chanters, and the congregation, and blessed two newborn children with the rite of the fortieth day, who received the names Georgios and Sophia. A reception followed in the parish hall, where he met and conversed with members of the Greek community, expressing gratitude in particular to the women who prepared the hospitality under the guidance of Anastasia Iakovidou.
Later that afternoon, Metropolitan Cleopas returned by train to Stockholm, the seat of his Metropolis, accompanied by the Bishop-elect. The next Divine Liturgy at Ansgarskyrkan is scheduled for Saturday, 28 March 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
