Metropolis of Sweden: Blessing for the new school year at the Greek School of Stockholm

On Saturday, September 12, 2026, Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia, accompanied by Bishop Bartholomew of Elaia, celebrated the customary Agiasmos (Blessing of the Waters) service marking the beginning of classes at the Greek School of Stockholm, which is housed on the premises of Sjölins Gymnasium.

The Greek School of Stockholm began operating in 1967 and, for nearly six decades, has carried out a vital educational and cultural mission, offering children of the Greek Diaspora the opportunity to study the Greek language, history, and traditions of our homeland. During the current school year, the School has approximately 300 students.

The Agiasmos service was attended by George Konstantinou, former President of the Greek School of Stockholm, members of the Board of Directors, the teachers, the parents, and the students of the School.

Following the Agiasmos service, His Eminence offered words of paternal counsel to the children and, using the image of a tree, encouraged them always to keep alive their connection to their spiritual and cultural roots:

“Today, I want to ask you a very simple question. Can a tree grow without roots? Of course not. The roots…