The Holy Metropolis of Sweden and All Scandinavia is pleased to announce, in the radiant joy of the Resurrection, the addition of two new volunteer clergy members to its ecclesiastical body.
Their inclusion aims to further support and strengthen the Metropolis’ ongoing missionary and pastoral ministry across Scandinavia.
This voluntary offering stands as a luminous example of authentic ecclesiastical ethos and selfless love for one’s fellow human being.
In a world increasingly marked by complex challenges, such dedication to ministry and service constitutes a vital pillar in advancing the Church’s spiritual mission.
The first of the newly appointed clergy is the Reverend Presbyter Fr. Andrii Pinchuk, of Ukrainian origin, who serves as parish priest of the Ukrainian-speaking Parish of Saint Olav in Telemark, Norway.
Fr. Pinchuk will minister to the liturgical and spiritual needs of Ukrainian-speaking faithful throughout the Kingdom of Norway, particularly those facing hardship.
He becomes the second volunteer clergyman serving in Norway, following the Reverend Protopresbyter Dr. Maxime Lessage, and the third cleric overall when including the presiding priest of the Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation in Oslo, the Reverend Presbyter Fr. George Kanakaris.
The second volunteer clergyman is the Reverend Protopresbyter Dr. Christian Krister Tano, from Luleå, Sweden, a physician and theologian.
He was ordained to the Diaconate on Lazarus Saturday at the Saint George Cathedral of Stockholm by His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Elaia.
On the following day, Palm Sunday, he was ordained to the priesthood by His Eminence Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia and elevated to the rank of Protopresbyter.
On Holy Saturday morning, he was further entrusted with the ministry of spiritual fatherhood.
Fr. Tano will serve the pastoral needs of the newly established Parish of the recently canonized Saint Tychon the Athonite in Luleå, marking the first organized Orthodox presence in the region.
The official inauguration of the parish “Thyranoixia,” along with the formal presentation of its new parish priest, will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, officiated by His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Elaia, with the blessing and encouragement of His Eminence Metropolitan Cleopas.
Volunteer clergy offer far more than their services; they dedicate their hearts and faith, making a profound contribution to the spiritual edification of the faithful and to the proclamation of the Gospel message of love and hope.
Their presence significantly strengthens the missionary work of the Holy Metropolis under the Ecumenical Patriarchate and underscores the essential values of cooperation and unity within the life of the Church.
The Holy Metropolis of Sweden and All Scandinavia expresses its sincere gratitude to these new collaborators, as well as to all volunteers who, with devotion and self-sacrifice, support its ministry on a daily basis.
Volunteerism remains an indispensable force of life and service, inspiring and sustaining the Church’s mission.
The Holy Metropolis prayerfully asks that God bless and guide their steps, so that their ministry may bear abundant spiritual fruit, for the benefit of all people and the glory of His Holy Name, and that their example may inspire others to labor in the Lord’s vineyard for the rich harvest of the local Church.
From the Holy Metropolis of Sweden and All Scandinavia
