From November 8-10, 2024, the Holy Metropolis of Sweden celebrated the consecration of the chapel dedicated to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra of Lycia, located within the Hermitage founded by Archimandrite Eusebios Vittis.
His Eminence Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia led the Vespers of dedication on Friday, November 8, with the assistance of clergy members. The relics were placed inside a holy receptacle before the Vespers began. The Byzantine choir of the St. George Cathedral in Stockholm performed the hymns during the service.
A reception hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Benedict and Sultana Svedberg followed the Vespers.
The following morning, Metropolitan Cleopas officiated the consecration of the chapel during the Divine Liturgy, attended by many faithful from Sweden and Norway. Rev. Arvanitidis was appointed as a confessor during the service.
A memorial service was held for Archimandrite Eusebios Vittis, with Metropolitan Cleopas reflecting on his legacy and contributions.
Metropolitan Cleopas highlighted the significance of the Hermitage, its history, and the recent renovation of the chapel dedicated to St. Nicholas. He emphasized the spiritual importance of the consecration of churches and the symbolism they hold.
The event was a special milestone, commemorating significant anniversaries and honoring the memory of those who played a key role in the establishment and preservation of the Hermitage.
The Body of Christ, the Church, will replace the temporary point of reference mentioned in the New Testament. In the Gospels, Jesus referred to Himself and His Body as the temple of God. His mention of the Temple of Jerusalem being rebuilt in three days was symbolic of His Resurrection, signifying His Body as the temple. The resurrected Body of Jesus is the visible sign and spiritual sustenance of the Christian Church, central to the mystery of the Eucharist. Through Holy Communion, Christ dwells within believers, transforming them into temples of God. The consecration of Christian churches is influenced by the dedication of Solomon’s Temple. Let us remember that from now on, the Holy Altar will be guarded by an Angel of the Lord, and we will become temples of the Holy Spirit when we approach the bloodless sacrifice. May this Hermitage become a spiritual center for all seeking prayer and guidance, attracting both Christians and non-Christians. I thank all those involved in the consecration of the chapel and the service, and express my gratitude to Metropolitan Agathangelos for his support and contributions. Following the consecration, a meal was served, contributed by many faithful individuals. May the blessings of Sts. be with us always. May Nicholas and Nectarios bring abundance into the lives of all, and may the consecration of the Chapel mark the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the Hermitage. May this event reveal individuals who, with missionary zeal and self-sacrifice, will carry on the work of the late Father Eusebios. His soul will surely rejoice as his long-held wish for the chapel’s consecration at his Hermitage is finally fulfilled fifty years later.
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