On Pentecost Sunday, His Grace Bishop Macarie of Northern Europe baptised six young people aged between 13 and 33 and a 50-year-old woman in Kalmar, Sweden.
The new members of the Church were joined by their families and by Romanian and Scandinavian faithful attending the Pentecost service.
“We rejoice that these young people have opened the door of their hearts to our Saviour Jesus Christ, with tears and joy, while many of their peers here and elsewhere close the door of their hearts to the Saviour, who knocks at the door of every heart, especially those who dwell in the darkness of unbelief,” Bishop Macarie said.
“Many, very many, close and bolt the door of their hearts, while the Saviour waits humbly and patiently at the door of each person’s heart, because the bolt can always be opened only from within. These young people, who have embraced the true faith and were baptised today on Pentecost, have opened the door of their hearts. We pray that the Lord may also have mercy on and patiently await the opening of the closed hearts of many others.”
Reflections from the Converts
“It is a great honour for me to be baptised by Bishop Macarie. I am very emotional because I have waited a long time for this day,” said Maxim Holtz (33).
“I deeply desired to receive Baptism in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and to be united with our Saviour Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, receiving His Body and Blood. It is a great honour for me, and I am very grateful to the Lord and to His servants.”
Simon Bergstrom (33) also shared his joy:
“I am grateful to the Holy Spirit for gathering us here today and for giving me the opportunity to receive Baptism. I am deeply moved and spiritually fulfilled. It is a great blessing to be baptised in the true Church.”
“It is so beautiful. I am very thankful for it. It is a wonderful day filled with grace!”
Following the service, the bishop held a spiritual discussion with Romanian and Swedish members of the local branch of the St Stephen the Great Youth Centre of the Diocese of Northern Europe.
The Romanian Orthodox Parish in Kalmar is dedicated to the Mother of God, Rescuer from Drowning, the Nursing Mother of God of Țibleș, and Hieromartyr Charalambos. The community is served by Fr Andrei Danilă.
Photo: Facebook / Diocese of Northern Europe
