Remember the oldest Christian churches. S:t Petrus & Paulus in Hallunda was inspired by them. This church stands as one of Sweden’s six Syriac Orthodox churches. Let’s step closer to discover its unique story.
S:t Petrus & Paulus stands proudly near Hallunda trafikplats. It is not far from the ancient Botkyrka church dating back to the 1100s. Members from Sweden and abroad funded S:t Petrus & Paulus. It opened in 2004. Agne Ideborg designed the church. He followed the wishes of the congregation.
Notice the red and yellow bricks on the facade of S:t Petrus & Paulus. Its design reflects old Christian churches. Think of those in Tur Abdin in southeastern Turkey. The long building runs east to west. A golden dome tops it. Two square bell towers also have domes.
Inside S:t Petrus & Paulus, the main room has a traditional design. It features a single nave and a chancel with three altars. Three priests can use these altars at the same time. Next to the main room are a hall, meeting rooms, a library, offices, and classrooms. These classrooms are for language lessons.
Look at the walls of S:t Petrus & Paulus. You will see holy images by Swedish Syriac Orthodox artists. Many interior items came from abroad. Big brass chandeliers hang from the ceiling. They came from Greece. The pews are from Turkey. Velvet curtains decorate the space. These were handmade in India. The cantor’s lectern and baptismal font are from Syria. Christo, a Bulgarian artist, made the marble altars.
S:t Petrus & Paulus made history on April 26, 2015. It opened Sweden’s first memorial. This memorial honored the Syriac genocide of 1915. Many important people attended the ceremony. These included government ministers and ambassadors. Representatives from other churches also attended. The event broadcasted live to over 80 countries.
In May 2015, controversy arose. The Islamic Cultural Association of Bredäng filed a complaint. They asked for money from the church. They felt offended by banners with text. The text connected past events to the Holocaust.
S:t Petrus & Paulus stands as more than just a building. It acts as a center for faith, culture, and remembrance. Its walls tell stories of history, art, and community. As you leave, consider the blend of traditions within these walls.