His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Paul III Nona in the Swedish city of Södertälje. Photo: Chaldean Patriarchate.

The Chaldean Patriarch urges the community in Sweden to preserve its faith, language and liturgical traditions, and strengthen younger generations’ connection to their Eastern roots

Södertälje – Ishtar TV

His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Paul III Nona celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Virgin Mary in Södertälje, Sweden, on 29 October 2026, following his arrival in the country. Members of the Chaldean community welcomed him in a reception led by Bishop Mar Saad Sirop, with the participation of Bishop Mar Azad Sabri.

In his homily after the Gospel reading, the Patriarch addressed the parishioners, emphasizing that Chaldean Christians in Europe are not guests in European Christianity. Rather, they bring to the continent a faith rooted in the East and a Christian heritage connected to a language close to the language of Christ.

The Patriarch noted that the Church of the Virgin Mary in Södertälje has been the first Chaldean-owned church in Sweden since 2017. He also pointed out that Sweden is home to one of the largest Chaldean communities in Europe, estimated at between 25,000 and 35,000 people spread across twelve cities.

Faith and Identity in the Diaspora

Patriarch Nona expressed his gratitude to the community not only for its warm welcome, but also for its deep commitment to its faith and Eastern identity while living far from its homeland.

He stressed that preserving faith in the diaspora is a conscious choice and a daily decision made by successive generations, noting that an identity consciously embraced carries particular value.

The Patriarch highlighted three essential dimensions that living faith offers migrants: giving life meaning beyond material success, safeguarding human dignity, and providing a moral compass and inner conscience to guide personal conduct.

He observed that the community had passed the test of fear in the East, while in the West it faces a different challenge, which he described as the “test of comfort and distraction.” He warned that becoming absorbed in the demands of daily life could weaken the connection to faith and identity.

Language and Liturgy: A Living Heritage for Future Generations

Addressing the preservation of Chaldean Christian identity, Patriarch Nona emphasized that language and liturgical traditions are not static museums, but living vessels through which authentic faith is transmitted across generations.

He called for practical steps to preserve this heritage, including establishing bilingual schools, teaching children church hymns, and documenting family histories and the sacrifices of martyrs to safeguard the community’s collective memory.

At the same time, he warned against turning inward, advocating an approach based on “firm roots and open doors.” This, he explained, means remaining faithful to one’s identity while engaging positively with the wider society.

He also expressed gratitude to Sweden for providing security and services, urging parishioners to respect the law, excel in their work and be good neighbours, describing these actions as a quiet witness to the essence of their Christian faith.

He stressed the importance of distinguishing respect from assimilation, rejecting the idea of the Church becoming an isolated island. He underlined that the Chaldean presence in Europe carries a mission beyond preserving identity: it contributes to renewing the Christian witness that came from the East.

Three Practical Recommendations for Protecting Younger Generations

Patriarch Nona offered families three practical recommendations to protect the second and third generations from losing their identity.

He urged parents to accompany their children and lead by example; to translate faith into their everyday lives rather than relying on threats or admonitions; and to involve young people in church responsibilities so that they have a meaningful role and a place where they feel they belong.

A Call for Cooperation Among Eastern Churches

The Patriarch concluded by calling for stronger cooperation among all sister Eastern Churches in the diaspora, encouraging joint work on shared concerns while respecting each Church’s particular identity and traditions.

He emphasized that the unity and cohesion of the community are a source of strength and support for the Church in the homeland, as well as a sign of its unity throughout the world.

He urged community members to remain faithful to both lands: their first homeland and their new home.