As part of my vacation routine, I took it upon myself to arrange my files and do some cleaning. in the house. Per chance I reviewed some of the photos I have of my recent visit to Sweden as part of my participation in a Training - Seminar at Uppsala University in Sweden. May I share with you some of my reminiscence while these things are still fresh in my memory. [Photos by Dr. Herbert].
Uppsala is a historic city. It once was the center of political and ecclesiastical power in Sweden. It is also a city with remarkable architechture. Outstanding is the Domkyrka [the Cathedral and seat of the Archbishop of Uppsala and the Domkyrka is the National Sanctuary of the Church of Sweden]. The dominant religion in Sweden is Evangelical Lutheran. Among the Lutheran communion, Sweden is a country that has stedfastly preserved its episcopacies. Aside from the Domkyrka there is also the Castle, which once upon a time a center of political power. Then there is the University of Uppsala founded in 1477 and the oldest in Scandinavia.
The picture above shows the smaller pipe organ. There are three pipe organs in this cathedral. The vacant seats are for the choir members and the members of the clergy. During regular days the Pastor does not occupy a special chair. He or she seats with the rest of the clergy. The Church of Sweden ordains both men and women as ministers.
This is the bigger organ at the Cathedral set up in the choir loft above the entrance door.
This is a smaller church I visited located near the Cathedral. I suppose, but I am not sure this church must be the parish of the Holy Trinity. Before the reformation the Domkyrka (construction started in 1287 and took almost a hundred years to complete) was used specifically as a coronation church for Kings and Queens. Hence ordinary services were held in this smaller church.
The High Altar Dressed up for Advent. Notice the Circular Communion Rail? Typical of Scandinavian Churches and of Medieval Christianity. The Domkyrka is enourmous. I found it difficult to capture the whole structure on camera. It must be photographed with a panoramic camera in order to capture its length and breath. The ceiling is painted but very tall. Its enormity provides a sense of sacredness and awe. This structure would dwarf the biggest church we have in the Philippines. The high altar is very much impressive. Originally the liturgical position is ad orientem but they built a wooden platform with aschening stairs at the bak in order for the minister to be able to celebrate Mass facing the people. I also observed that people dont kneel, but stands during the reception of communion. There are pews but no kneelers. But I also observed that in the side chapels there are small kneelers. And I have seen some genuflecting.
One of the side chapels in the domkyrka. There are several of them. But this chapel specifically captured my attention because of the beauty of the altar and the icon behind it. Notice that the altar is attached to the wall. So the minister who will celebrate mass in this side chapel will have to face the altar with his or her back from the people.
The tomb of King Gustav Vasa. This chapel where King Gustav Vasa is interred has formerly been the chapel of the Virgin Mary. The only signs that this was formerly the chapel of the virgin Mary are the yellow stars inscribed on the ceilings, symbols of the Virgin Mary. With the introduction of Lutheranism in the 16th Century, the Role of the Virgin Mary has somehow been not emphasized.
A Nativity Scene in one of the side chapels of the Domkyrka.
Tapestry at the Domkyrka
Statue of St. Erick the National Saint of Sweden. St. Erick is the National Saint of Sweden. Many prominent noble persons were buried in this cathedral. A relic of St. Brigitte is also placed at the side chapel where the relic of St. Erick is interred.
Is this the candlestick sculptured in 1968called the tree of the reconciliation of man on the occasion of the fourth assembly of the world council of Churches?
Portrait of King Gustav Vasa (1496-1560) at the Uppsala Castle
Seven Candle Sticks as Displayed on Window Sills, Very Popular Advent Tradition in Sweden
Miniature of the Uppsala Castle
The Main Hall of the Uppsala Castle
Uppsala Domkyrka [Cathedral]
Trees of Winter Overshadowed by the Spires of the Domkyrka
A Building Near the Cathedral
A Cobbled Stone Street In the Old Section of Uppsala
Beautiful Red Building Near the Administration Building of Uppsala University
Museum Gustavianum
Uppsala University
Together with some of my Fellow Participants from Brazil, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Mexico and Honduras Posing for Photos during Break Time
A Replica of the Icon from Moscow Displayed at the Uppsala Cathedral One of the Memento I bought From my Visit to the Domkyrka
The Bookshelf where I Displayed the icon from the Domkyrka. I use to display some of my souvenirs in my bookshelves. If there are material treasures I consider, these are my books and my souvenirs. Not for their material value but it keeps alive memories and store a wealth of knowledge. We know that in this world everything is transitory and it is foolish to trust in riches or wealth. In an instant they can vanish and in days fortune may change. But as the Scriptures said: "They that trust in the Lord will be like a tree planted in the courtyard of the temple."
This is the train station in Uppsala. I was impressed by the efficiency of the trains and the speed. It took us only 30 minutes to reach Stockholm. Uppsala is almost 70 kilometers from Stockholm.
Old and commercial district of Uppsala where you can find an array of shops and restaurants. This old portion of the city is a haven for pedestrians.
The Rear view of the Domkyrka
The Faculty of Law Building of Uppsala University
The Cathedral Cafe. I took one of my dinners in this cafe. Simple but elegant, and romantic too. But sadly I was alone when I visited this cafe.
I notice that Swedish homes are fond of lights and candles. Perhaps because winters in Sweden are gloomy. In my eleven days of stay in Uppsala, I have never seen the sun in its fullfness. Days are cloudy onlyday light but not sunlight.
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