The Metropolis of Sweden was again vindicated after a state audit of its finances came up clear of any red flags, leaving no question about its good management practices.

Following false accusations put forward by the Swedish newspaper Göteborgsposten (GP) in a series of articles, the Metropolis had been subject to two full audits conducted by the Swedish Agency for Support for Faith Communities (Sw: Myndigheten för stöd till trossamfund (”SST”) and the Swedish Taxation Agency (Sw: Skatteverket).

Both audits exonerated the Metropolis from all accusations made by GP and concluded that everything was in good order in the Metropolis. As such, no further action was taken by the authorities.

The audit carried out by SST was made by the well-respected auditor KPMG on behalf of SST, and was finalized around two weeks ago without any remarks, concluding that all state funds had been used by the Metropolis appropriately and in accordance with the Swedish law.

Hence, both audits reach the same definitive conclusion – that neither the accusations made by GP, nor the accusations made by individuals referenced in the GP articles, had any substance whatsoever and were completely unfounded, baseless and false.

The Holy Metropolis of Sweden operates and will continue to operate, always responsibly, in terms of financial management, for the benefit of the Eastern Orthodox Church and its members, in accordance with all relevant sacred canons and the applicable state legislation.

Therefore, “as truth has been prevailed, as falsehood has been disproven, as wisdom has been presented,” we continue to focus our ministry for the benefit of our members and realize our visions, for the good of the Orthodox Church and our Metropolis.

From the Holy Metropolis