11/12/2023

Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese in Sweden welcomes newly ordained Archbishop

SÖDERTÄLJE, Sweden — The city of Södertälje, Sweden, witnessed the formal ordination of the new Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese in Sweden and Scandinavia.

Presided over by Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, the ordination ceremony drew a significant gathering of clergy and believers. The sacred proceedings, broadcast on Suroyo TV, garnered widespread attention, with priests and archbishops from various Churches in attendance, alongside representatives from Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) political parties and organizations in Sweden.

Mor Yohannan Lahdo, the newly-ordained archbishop, assumes the position following the departure of Archbishop Mor Julius Abd al-Ahad Gallo Shabo due to illness a year ago. The archbishop’s seat remained vacant during this interim period.

In his inaugural address, Archbishop Mor Yohannan Lahdo pledged to lead the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese with integrity and ensure equality among all its departments. He highlighted the crucial role youth play in the future of the Church, expressing his commitment to engaging and raising awareness among them.

The new archbishop conducted his first Mass on Sunday morning, marking the commencement of his pastoral duties in the community. The ordination event symbolizes a significant chapter in the history of the Syriac Orthodox community in Sweden and Scandinavia, underlining the ongoing spiritual leadership and commitment to the faithful.