Romanian Orthodox bishop baptises Swedish mother and son after two years of preparation

Bishop Macarie of Northern Europe baptised two Swedish nationals, a mother and son, last weekend at the Romanian Orthodox parish church in Uppsala, Sweden. On the same occasion, seven young Scandinavians became catechumens.

Maria and Martin Hoppe chose to join the Orthodox Church after nearly two years of preparation.

“I was a catechumen for almost two years, and it was a wonderful period. Yet throughout that time, I eagerly awaited the moment when I could become a full member of the Church,” Martin Hoppe told Trinitas TV .

His mother, Maria, also described their journey towards discovering Orthodoxy through reading and growing closer to the faithful of the Uppsala parish.

“When we began reading and learning more about Orthodoxy, we understood that this is the truth, that this is God’s path and that we must follow it.”

Pure in heart and without guile Several young Swedes have become catechumens, beginning their preparation to receive Baptism and enter the Orthodox Church. October 31, 2026. Photo credit: Facebook / Diocese of Northern Europe The liturgical programme also included the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, during which Bishop Macarie emphasised that…