Metropolitan of Sweden blesses Vasilopita at the Greek Embassy in Stockholm

On Thursday afternoon, 16 January 2025, His Eminence Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia, accompanied by the Archimandrite Bartholomew Iatridis, Parish Priest of St. George’s Cathedral in Stockholm, visited the Greek Embassy in Sweden at the gracious invitation of Her Excellency Ambassador Aikaterini Fountoulaki.

The visit began with the Metropolitan performing the service of the Great Blessing of the Waters, followed by the traditional blessing and cutting of the Vasilopita. The Metropolitan sprinkled holy water in the Ambassador’s office and throughout the premises of the Embassy, blessing all the offices and staff members.

Two Vasilopitas were cut during the event. The first coin was found by Metropolitan Cleopas, while the second went to Ambassador Fountoulaki, adding a celebratory spirit to the occasion.

A small reception followed, where attendees exchanged well wishes for the New Year. Metropolitan Cleopas conveyed the Patriarchal blessings and heartfelt wishes of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to all present.