Kalmar, Sweden, June 4, 2026
Photo: Basilica News Agency
Seven Swedish converts were baptized into the Orthodox Church on the Feast of Pentecost in Kalmar, Sweden, by His Grace Bishop Macarie of Northern Europe of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
The newly baptized included six young people between the ages of 13 and 33 and a 50-year-old woman, reports the Basilica News Agency.
The service took place at the Romanian Orthodox church in Kalmar, dedicated to the wonderworking Savior from Drowning and Nursing Mother of Țibleș Icons of the Mother of God and the Hieromartyr St. Charalambos.
Speaking after the Baptisms, Bp. Macarie expressed joy at the decision of the converts to enter the Orthodox Church. He said that the newly baptized had “opened the door of their hearts” to Jesus Christ, contrasting their decision with the unbelief that he said affects many people today.
Photo: Basilica News Agency
Several of the converts also shared reflections on the occasion.
Maxim Holtz, 33, said it was a great honor to be baptized by Bp. Macarie and that he had been waiting for the day for a long time.
“I very much wanted to receive Baptism in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and to unite myself with our Savior Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, receiving His Body and Blood,” he said. “It’s a great honor for me, and I’m very grateful to the Lord and His servants.”
Simon Bergstrom, also 33, said he was grateful to the Holy Spirit for bringing those present together and for giving him the opportunity to receive Baptism.
“I’m very emotional and spiritually fulfilled,” he said. “It’s a great blessing to be baptized in the true Church. It’s so beautiful. I’m very thankful for it. It’s a wonderful day full of grace.”
In August 2025, OrthoChristian reported on how Swedish youth are increasingly turning to holy Orthodoxy.
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