The formal courtesy visit of the new Ambassador of Greece to Sweden, His Excellency Mr. Nikolaos Sapountzis, to His Eminence Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia took place in a particularly warm and cordial atmosphere on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the Ηeadquarters of the Holy Metropolis in Stockholm.
His Eminence warmly welcomed the new head of the Greek Diplomatic Mission, congratulated him on assuming his high office, and extended his heartfelt wishes for health, strength, and every success in his important mission, for the benefit of Greece, Greek-Swedish friendship, and Sweden’s large Greek Community.
During their meeting, which was marked by mutual esteem and cordiality, they exchanged views on matters of common interest. Particular emphasis was placed on the presence and longstanding contribution of the Orthodox Church in the Scandinavian countries; the preservation of the Greek language, the Orthodox faith, and traditional values; and the strengthening of the Greek Community’s spiritual and cultural ties with its homeland.
His Eminence briefed His Excellency the Ambassador on the pastoral, missionary, educational, and charitable work of the Holy Metropolis of Sweden. Under the spiritual guidance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Metropolis has served the needs of Orthodox faithful throughout the Scandinavian Peninsula for many decades.
Special reference was made to the vital role of the Metropolis’ parishes as living centers of faith, culture, social cohesion, and the preservation of the national and spiritual identity of Greeks living abroad.
The importance of close cooperation between the Holy Metropolis and the Embassy of Greece was also underscored. Their shared goals include supporting the Greek Community, promoting Greece’s cultural heritage, and cultivating relationships of mutual respect and constructive cooperation with Swedish society.
His Eminence emphasized that the Orthodox Church, faithful to its universal mission, has long served as a bridge of communication and reconciliation among peoples, cultures, and traditions, contributing to the promotion of peaceful coexistence, solidarity, and respect for every human person.
He also expressed his conviction that the new Ambassador’s appointment would provide an opportunity to further strengthen the already constructive cooperation between the two institutions for the benefit of Hellenism in Sweden.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of heartfelt wishes. His Eminence presented His Excellency the Ambassador with his study on St. George Cathedral of Stockholm and assured him that the Holy Metropolis of Sweden would continue to support every initiative aimed at the spiritual, cultural, and social advancement of the Greek community.
Finally, His Eminence wished the Ambassador a fruitful and blessed diplomatic mission in hospitable Sweden, under the illumination and guidance of God. He also conveyed the congratulations and blessings of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
