Metropolitan Cleopas has addressed a pastoral message to Orthodox Ukrainians in Norway, expressing his deep compassion and spiritual support during this difficult time of war. In his message, he emphasized that the Church stands alongside all those who have experienced separation from their homeland and the pain of displacement.
Our first day-trip kayaking with the kids along the Telemark Canal was a huge success! We paddled using Ukrainian-made kayaks by NERIS UA — quite possibly a first for Norwegian waters. The children loved assembling and steering them. This is just the beginning of our big water adventure in Norway!
Give your child a summer they will remember forever! The Orthodox Mission of St. Olav invites children and teenagers aged 9–15 to the “Path of Goodness” summer mountain camp, taking place on July 26–31, 2026, in picturesque Telemark. Six days of true childhood await the children: mountain hikes, creative workshops, evenings by the campfire, an introduction to Christian values, and heartfelt fellowship. Registration is already open on our website!
On the Day of the Holy Trinity, May 31, the Mission of St. Olav invites Orthodox believers of Narvik municipality to the Divine Liturgy, which will be celebrated by Fr. Andriі Pinchuk. The divine service will take place on the premises of the Catholic church, and we express our sincere gratitude to them for their help with the organization. This is a blessed time for shared prayer, confession, communion, and warm fellowship over coffee.
On May 25, a unique “Three Churches” pilgrimage stretching nearly 20 kilometers from Nes Church to the old Bø Church takes place in Midt-Telemark municipality. This prayer procession combines ancient Christian traditions of the West and the East. A special event along the route will be a stop at the ruins of the old church near Gørte, where ancient Orthodox church chants will be sung. This is a wonderful opportunity for our mission to share the beauty of the Orthodox spiritual tradition and to strengthen ties between Christians of different denominations in Norway.
Heavenly Father! We thank You for Your gifts: for summer, for the beauty of nature, and for every day of our lives. Cleanse our hearts and help us to be a light in this world. Grant us a spirit that fervently seeks You and, at the same time, burns with love for our neighbors. May our days be filled with the joy of living with You and the comfort of Your presence. Guide us, be near us, and abide in us! Amen.
Lord, we thank You for this spring and the miracle of renewed life, but most of all, for Your Bright Resurrection. Just as You once freed the apostles from fear and despair by appearing to them in the locked room, appear to us today as well. Be with us every minute, and sustain us amidst the waves of life, just as You supported Peter on the water. Grant us the strength to live, the inspiration to create, and the joy to witness to the whole world the miracle of Your Resurrection through love for our neighbors in our daily lives. Amen.
In Norway, an important period of entrance examinations is beginning, marking a special phase for Ukrainian youth. The upcoming Divine Liturgy at the Thomas Chapel in Bø (May 2 at 9:00 AM) will be dedicated to praying for these applicants to support them during this time of decisions and anxiety. We invite everyone to join in shared prayer, confession, and communion so that our young men and women may feel the blessing of the Church at this crucial moment.
The Metropolis of Sweden and All Scandinavia of the Ecumenical Patriarchate has officially announced the reception of Fr. Andriy Pinchuk, head of the Mission of St. Olav in Norway, into its clergy. This decision aims to strengthen pastoral ministry for Ukrainians throughout the Kingdom. From now on, the spiritual care of our community will be carried out under the omophorion of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, opening up new opportunities for unity and the growth of the mission.
The Mission of St. Olav visited the city of Førde for the first time, holding the first Orthodox service there in four years. Despite the fact that the divine service took place in a rented hall in an industrial zone, the meeting was incredibly warm: many believers came with their children to pray together, receive communion, and chat over coffee and treats.
The Mission of St. Olav visited the well-known and hospitable town of Sogndal once again. This town has already become a traditional stop on our journey, where every meeting is filled with sincere joy and warm fellowship. Shared prayer, the blessing of Easter baskets, and spiritual conversations have once again confirmed the strength of our community in Western Norway.
The Easter journey through Western Norway became a time of bright unity for Ukrainian communities in the towns of Askvoll, Florø, and Sykkylven. Shared prayer, confession, and communion brought the believers together into one large Christian family, bringing comfort and hope. The Mission of St. Olav continues to maintain a spiritual connection with Ukrainians even in the most remote corners of the country.
The Mission of St. Olav visited Vanse and Tonstad. In Vanse, we held a special service at the reception center (mottak) for Ukrainians, where we prayed together, got to know each other, and chatted over tea. And Tonstad welcomed us with warmth and shared Easter joy!
The Easter journey through Norway, spanning 3,300 km, covered many towns and cities, including Oslo, Drammen, Notodden, Porsgrunn, and Fyresdal. Shared prayer, confession, and communion united hundreds of Ukrainians into one large Christian family. Find out how the festive services and warm fellowship took place in different corners of the country.
The traditional Easter journey began in the ancient Church of St. Olav in Bø. Amidst the snow-white walls of the 12th century, by candlelight and without modern heating, the Ukrainian community united in heartfelt prayer. Learn more about the atmosphere of this unique service and watch the video of the blessing of Easter baskets in this historic place.
A major Easter journey stretching 3,300 kilometers has come to an end. 13 municipalities, dozens of meetings, and prayer that united people of different nationalities beneath the vaults of both modern halls and 850-year-old stone walls. It was a journey of heartfelt conversations, confessions, and shared joy in Christ’s Resurrection. We thank all the Christian communities of Norway for their support and open hearts!
We invite you to take a look behind the scenes of the preparations for the divine service at the old Bø Church. This is a place where the snow-white walls of the 12th century preserve the peace of the ages. Watch our video about the preparations in the atmosphere of the Scandinavian Middle Ages.
“Christ is risen!” — this Easter cry is the very foundation of our faith. Metropolitan Cleopas’ message for Holy Saturday proclaims the victory of light over darkness and the victory of love over sin. From the predictions of the prophets to the testimony of the myrrh-bearing women, the Resurrection is revealed as a force that transforms our present. A call to personal renewal and to bringing hope into a world marked by unrest and war.
This is a deep contemplation on the meaning of Christ’s Resurrection and how the divine light can transform our lives here and now. Use these words for personal, quiet prayer or as a shared appeal to God.
“Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!” — with this triumphant cry, we welcome Easter 2026. The message from Cleopas, Metropolitan of Sweden and All Scandinavia, reminds us that the Resurrection is not an abstract idea, but a living force capable of healing our world, which is marred by wars, poverty, and modern-day slavery. It is a call not only to rejoice in the empty tomb, but also to become witnesses of the light: helping refugees, supporting those in need, and sharing hope where darkness reigns.
The Easter journey through Norway has begun! In Notodden, the Orthodox community welcomed the feast in the majestic atmosphere of the local church. Father Andriy Pinchuk shares touching words about the true meaning of Easter: it is not just about traditions, but above all about inner renewal and Christ’s presence in the soul of each of us. Experience the atmosphere of light and unity in our report.
On Holy Friday, we stand before the Epitaphios, contemplating the mystery of the suffering God. The message from Cleopas, Metropolitan of Sweden and All Scandinavia, draws a parallel between Calvary and the modern world: wherever bombs fall, nature is destroyed, and human beings suffer, Christ is crucified anew. This is a profound reflection on loneliness, modern slavery, and the limitless love that serves as the only answer to the question: “Does anyone love me?”
The Epitaphios (Shroud) before us is not only a symbol of sorrow, but also a promise of victory. In his message, Cleopas, Metropolitan of Sweden and All Scandinavia, reminds us that the suffering of Christ continues today: in the fires of war, the destruction of the environment, and the shackles of modern slavery. In our procession, we carry not only the body of the Lord, but also all the pain of the world, believing that the Tomb of the Lord will become the cradle for a new creation, and that life will ultimately triumph over death.
Modern research on the Shroud of Turin reveals 700 lashes and 50 puncture wounds from the crown of thorns. Science confirms what the Gospel describes with restraint: Christ endured brutal torture. Yet His suffering was voluntary—for our salvation. Every time we choose sin or indifference, we participate in His Passion. Holy Thursday is a day of personal choice: to remain a mere bystander or to let God’s love transform our lives.
On Holy Thursday, we stand on the threshold of the Lord’s Passion. The address from Cleopas, Metropolitan of Sweden and All Scandinavia, reveals to us the depth of Isaiah’s prophecies about the “Man of Sorrows” who bore our infirmities. This is a reflection on how the Cross is not a defeat, but a victory; how by His stripes we are healed, and through His silent humility, the path to eternal life was opened. How will we respond to such sacrificial love?
On Holy Wednesday, we find ourselves between two figures: the sinful woman offering the myrrh, and Judas pathing the way to betrayal. At the center of this day is the Sacrament of Holy Unction—a gift of God’s mercy that heals the wounds of both soul and body. We present to you the address of Metropolitan Cleopas on the power of divine love, which transcends any human justice, and a call to offer God the myrrh of our repentance.
We invite you to share the joy of the Bright Resurrection of Christ! Check out the detailed schedule of Orthodox services and the blessing of Easter cakes in Oslo, Drammen, Sykkylven, Sogndal, and many other municipalities across Norway. Join us in shared prayer and festive tradition.
We invite you to share the joy of Easter in the very heart of Oslo! On April 11, a festive divine service will be held at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, offering the opportunity for confession and Holy Communion. The service will be followed by the traditional blessing of Easter cakes. Join the Ukrainian community in shared prayer.
In these holy days, we meet God not as a judge, but as the physician of our souls and bodies. Metropolitan Cleopas’ second message for Holy Wednesday explores the depths of the Holy Unction: how the oil becomes a sign of divine care that binds our wounds. An invitation to bring our hidden struggles and burdens before Christ, who enters into human suffering to transform it into life.
Join us in celebrating Palm Sunday at St. Thomas Chapel at Bø Church. This is a time for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal before the start of the Easter holidays.
