H. E. METROPOLITAN CLEOPAS OF SWEDEN’S
PASTORAL MESSAGE
TO THE UKRAINIAN SPEAKING ORTHODOX FAITHFUL
LIVING IN NORWAY
Dearly Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Christ is Risen!
With paternal love, heartfelt compassion, and fervent prayer, I address all of you who, far from your beloved homeland, are now living in Norway and throughout Scandinavia during this painful and difficult period for the people of Ukraine.
The Church fully understands the anguish, uncertainty, sorrow, and spiritual exhaustion that war and forced displacement bring into human life.
Many among you have endured separation from your families, the loss of homes, the pain of exile, and deep concern for your loved ones who remain in your homeland.
In these trials, however, you are not alone. The Church stands beside you as a loving mother, embracing you with prayer, consolation, and spiritual support.
We pray unceasingly for all suffering people, for every innocent victim of violence and war, and especially for the restoration of peace in Ukraine and in the wider region.
As His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has repeatedly emphasized, “Any war waged in the name of religion is a war against religion itself.”
Violence, hatred, and destruction can never become instruments of God’s will.
As Orthodox Christians, we do not support the perpetuation of hostility, division, or any form of entrenched conflict. Our message is always a message of reconciliation, peace, dialogue, and hope.
The Lord Himself says in the Holy Gospel: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you” (John 14:27).
It is with this peace of Christ that we continue our earthly journey, placing our hope in God’s mercy and providence.
At the same time, we give thanks to the people and institutions of Norway and all Scandinavia for opening their hearts and offering shelter, protection, and solidarity to those fleeing suffering and war.
Your presence in these countries is not only a testimony of endurance and courage, but also an opportunity to contribute with your rich spiritual inheritance, your culture, your faith, and your historical tradition to the societies which have welcomed you with generosity and humanity.
May the Most Holy Theotokos protect the people of Ukraine. May our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen every suffering family, comfort every grieving heart, heal every wound caused by war, and bless all efforts toward justice, reconciliation, and lasting peace.
Be assured that the prayers of the Orthodox Church are always with you.
With paternal love in the Risen Lord and archpastoral blessings,
† Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia , Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Northern Lands
