The Migration of the Syriac Orthodox Community to Sweden: Towards a Description of Patterns of Change and Liturgical Adaptation

The article explores the migration of the Syriac Orthodox community to Sweden and how this process has influenced their liturgical practices. It highlights how migration, cultural adaptation, and integration have transformed the community's rituals, emphasizing that liturgy is not static but evolves with the socio-cultural context. The liturgical practices, developed in rural Middle Eastern contexts, were reinterpreted to suit new settings in Sweden, involving negotiations among different groups within the community. The church played a central role in preserving identity but also faced challenges from internal power struggles, generational shifts, and external societal changes. The introduction of Swedish language and technology in liturgy further marked these changes. Despite these adaptations, the community faces ongoing identity conflicts, particularly regarding ethnicity and the role of the church. The article underscores that migration continues to shape both religious practices and community dynamics for Syriac Orthodox believers in Sweden.