A new beginning: The celebration of Pastor Nicolaj Stubbe Hørlyck initiation in Bangkok
In a vibrant celebration of faith and community, the Danish Church in Thailand recently welcomed its new pastor, Nicolaj Stubbe Hørlyck, during his initiation ceremony. The initiation service, held at the Danish Church House, was a heartwarming event filled with joy, reflection, and a strong sense of unity, marking a significant milestone for the congregation. The ceremony drew more than 30 participants, including Pastor Nicolaj’s two sons, who were present for their autumn break.
From the moment one stepped into the Danish Church House, an atmosphere of excitement and hygge filled the room. The hymn books and the program for the evening were neatly arranged near the entrance, where everyone was welcomed with a smile.
This occasion was not only a celebration of Nicolaj’s initiation; it also provided a delightful opportunity to unveil the church’s new piano, adding an exciting musical element as the festivities were about to commence.
A joyful initiation ceremony
To celebrate this pivotal moment, Overseas Provost Selma Ravn, representing the Danish Church Abroad, officiated the service, articulating the joy surrounding Nicolaj’s arrival. She shared that it is one of her most honored tasks to travel abroad and install priests in Danish congregations worldwide.
“It is always a joyful occasion when a new priest and a community take their first steps together. This partnership will pave the way for growth and exploration,” she remarked.
Building upon Selma’s heartfelt sentiments, the ceremony gained further significance as H.E. Danny Annan, the Ambassador of Denmark to Thailand, stepped forward to share his reflections. He underscored the occasion’s importance by reading the confirmation letter from H.M. King Frederik X, the patron of the Danish Church Abroad. This royal endorsement emphasized the strong ties between Denmark and its expatriate community in Thailand.
A meaningful service of reflection
Following the heartfelt initiation, Nicolaj led the congregation in the service, beginning with the hymn “Svimlende Skønhed” (translated as “Dazzling Beauty”). This hymn, written by Danish author Ida Auken during her stay at the Odsherred Therapiehaven in 2020, delves into themes of beauty, renewal, and the complexities of human experience—topics that Nicolaj emphasized in his sermon.
He invited the congregation to reflect on serenity and reconnect with oneself, and for those with faith, with the divine. He articulated:
“The service is fundamentally a ritualized opportunity to do this periodically. A reminder that we are not always in control and that there is a possibility to start anew…”
Nicolaj spoke poignantly about the importance of community, highlighting how the church serves as a welcoming space, regardless of one’s circumstances. “In our busy lives, we often forget the power of togetherness and the strength we can draw from one another,” he noted.
He illustrated how the rituals of faith provide respite from life’s challenges and inspire hope for new beginnings. “In a world where many feel isolated and disconnected, the church stands as a beacon of hope and love, reminding us that we are never alone,” he affirmed.
The ceremony concluded with heartfelt prayers for the congregation, particularly for those facing difficulties, urging everyone to:
"Act as bearers of love and hope in a world that often feels dark."
As a lovely ending to the service and initiation, the familiar melody of “Matador” by Bent Fabricius-Bjerre played as the postlude, providing a warm and nostalgic close to this meaningful occasion.
With the service concluded, the atmosphere resonated with a spirit of togetherness and purpose as attendees prepared to celebrate further during the reception.
A festive reception to remember
Once the service was completed, the chairs were moved aside, and guests began to mingle. Attendees were encouraged to indulge in delicious Danish-inspired dishes, including frikadellemadder, lakseroulade, and the traditional cake, kransekage. The enthusiasm for the food was unmistakable, as guests expressed their delight while the platters quickly emptied. Laughter and conversation flowed freely, with everyone savoring the delectable offerings. There was no shortage of food or drinks to enhance the celebratory atmosphere.
Amidst the laughter and chatter, several speeches were made, including heartfelt acknowledgments from the Church Council Chairman. He stated, “As we welcome Nicolaj, we also embrace the vibrant future of our church, grounded in shared values and rich traditions.”
Before the attendees could lower their glasses again, Selma Ravn conveyed warm greetings from Christa, the former pastor in Bangkok, who expressed her enthusiasm for the new pastoral family. In her message, Christa congratulated Nicolaj and Anna, welcoming them to Bangkok with open arms:
“Welcome to a wonderful place. In the Danish Church in Thailand, there is room for enthusiasm and innovation. I have no doubt that you will each leave your unique mark on the church in the years to come. With your solid experience from the Danish Folkekirke, social work in Denmark, and time spent in India, it can only lead to good things. May you flourish in your new life in Thailand,” she encouraged, promoting continuous growth and development for the church as a gathering point for Danes and their families.
Embracing a bright future
As Nicolaj looks forward to his tenure in Thailand, this initiation service marks more than merely a new chapter for him and his family; it signifies a renewed commitment to serving the Danish community. His dedication to accessibility in faith and the promise of inclusion reflect what the church embodies—an open door where everyone is welcome to share their burdens.
With the support of the congregation, Nicolaj is poised to foster a vibrant community that embraces diversity and nurtures connections among its members. Through faith, fellowship, and compassion, he aims to create a welcoming space where individuals can grow spiritually and find solace in one another.
As the evening came to a close, the shared laughter and heartfelt connections forged during this special occasion left a lasting impression, reminding everyone of the significance of connection and the strength that comes from solidarity. With hopes for a bright and promising future, the Danish Church in Thailand is ready to embark on this exciting journey together, hand in hand with their new pastor.
Pastor Nicolaj Stubbe Hørlyck Initiation
If you’d like to learn more about the new Danish pastor Nicolaj Stubbe Hørlyck, check out the article: Meet Bangkok’s New Danish Pastor with a One-Way Ticket!
