Metropolitan of Sweden: “I’m Investing in My Faith”

By Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden

Yesterday afternoon, October 1st, 2026, the Fellowship Hall of St. George Cathedral of Stockholm was filled with young people who came to participate in the English-language catechumen seminar that I offer through the Holy Metropolis of Sweden and All Scandinavia.

The topic I presented was: “Entering the Life of the Church: A Call to Learn, Participate, and Serve. The True Role of Catechumens and Neophytes in the Orthodox Church.”

Their presence, their attentive participation, their sincere questions, and the fruitful dialogue that followed offered a deeply moving testimony to spiritual searching.

The presentation began at 6:00 p.m., and the open discussion continued until 7:30 p.m. The young people asked questions about faith, prayer, the life of the Church, and the spiritual challenges facing people today.

From 7:30 to 8:00 p.m., simple refreshments were offered in a warm, family-like atmosphere. Personal conversations and confessions then continued until 9:00 p.m.

During one of these personal pastoral conversations, a young man said to me with great joy and enthusiasm: “I’m investing in my faith.”

His words moved me deeply. In…