Meet Rev. Sabina Koij: New Senior Pastor in Church of Sweden, SF Bay Area

On September 15 Rev. Sabina Koij begins her service as our new Sr Pastor in San Francisco Bay Area. On Saturday, September 19 at 3 pm, we invite our Swedish Community to welcome her at our Service in Los Altos Lutheran Church, located at 460 El Monte Avenue, Los Altos.

Several of us have already met her on Zoom or in Stockholm. She brings a wealth of experience and talents. I sent her some questions which she promptly responded to.
 
Where were you born and where did you grow up?

In July 1971, I was born in Stockholm to two welcoming parents. I was one year old when our family moved to Minnesota where my father studied at the U of Minn. We returned to Sweden when I was three. My mother is an American and my father is Swedish. 
          
I grew up in a Stockholm suburb, Bromma, where I attended grade school, followed by studies at Kungsholmen’s gymnasium, Stockholm’s musikgymnasium. After graduation, I worked at a riding school in Wisconsin, U.S., which ended with a six-week train-trip with Amtrak, taking me through many of the States. I returned to Sweden, where I found employment at City Mail, a job that enabled me to finance my driver's license.
          
How did you decide to study theology? 
          
I never intended to become a minister, but the thought of theology studies was inspiring. I began my studies at the University of Uppsala in 1992. My plan was to prepare myself for a career in teaching or research studies. During my time in Uppsala, I received a scholarship to study at the Swedish Theological Institute in Jerusalem. (It was there I met my children's father). Thereafter, I spent one term at the Lutheran School of theology at Chicago.

Back in Sweden, my thoughts concerning the ministry began to deepen and mature. I made my decision and was ordained in the Cathedral of Stockholm in January 1999. My hope to continue my studies in theological research were realized later in life at Åbo Akademi. I received my doctorate degree in systematic theology in 2021.
   
From the beginning, theology was never the focus of my academic interests. What interested me was seeing it as a kind of "mix" of many areas that drew my attention: philosophy, history of ideas, psychology, sociology, religion etc. (I have never done any advanced studies in music, but I am grateful for my studies at Stockholms music gymnasium).
            
When did you work in Storkyrkan, and where did you work before?
           
I began my work in Storkyrkan during the early 90´s, employed as a sort of "semi-custodian" and eventually served as a summer tourist guide. In 2005, I was called to serve as a minister in Storkyrkan. I did the work of a minister with all its demands and responsibilities. In 2025, I was very grateful to be given the opportunity to serve as chaplain in the Cathedral that had become my home.  

Before my service in Storkyrkan began, I received great ministerial experience in the parishes of Hägersten, Järna and Råsunda. Both my mother and my younger sister are ministers. The church seems to be a part of our family.
          
Tell us about your family and finding the balance between family and job.
          
Together with my ex-husband, Mattias, I share the joy of our four children: Ivar 26, Aron 25, Anja 23 and Egon soon 17. Nicklas came into my life about 4 years ago and will be spending time with me in San Francisco. Nicklas and I met on an island in the Stockholm archipelago where we both have houses. I also live in an apartment in downtown Stockholm.
 
I am a person who has many "irons in the fire": a big family, many interests and the need for study, rest, and recreation. It has always been important for me to find space in my busy schedule for inspiring and invigorating activity and relaxation: training, hiking, camping, skiing, ice-skating on the lakes and the Baltic Sea, swimming, berry and mushroom-picking, concerts. Time for friends and quiet time is also important. I love the outdoors and cherish time when I can relax on my sofa outside with a good book and a cup of black tea resting on a tray. (I am not a coffee drinker!)
 
What roles as a priest do you feel most passionate about? 

Working as a minister means working with people, listening to their inner lives, speaking through words and song and practical help to the spiritual needs that are inherent in every human being. I am so grateful for the dynamic and exciting work and varied activities that are a part and parcel of Storkyrkan. My responsibilities have been many and varied. I have met thousands of school classes, I have guided countless visitors through the cathedral, I have sailed and skied with confirmation classes. I have arranged and participated in many theatre performances, arranged art exhibitions, interviewed, and conversed with prominent authors and guests. And I am, of course, both a preacher and a liturgist with responsibility for many of our Church services. But I am also very much at home with smaller groups, with private conversations, sharing moments of quiet and silent meditation, short but meaningful meetings with the many who constantly cross my path. And with the countless families I meet in connection with baptisms, funerals and weddings…          
         
Any recent plays in Storkyrkan?
          
And now in August, before my trip to San Francisco, I am leading and participating in a theatre production, Mäster Olof, a play that focuses upon the first printing of the New Testament in Swedish that took place 500 years ago. It was the great reformer, Olaus Petri, minister in 1530-s and 40´s in Storkyrkan, who was responsible for the translation. Storkyrkan is often called "the cradle of the reformation". I play the role of Olaus Petris’ wife, Kristina, in our production. Among the participants in also is my good friend and colleague of many years and whom you know well, Jocke Schröder.
 

Tell us about your previous experience working as a Priest in the U.S.?

I have earlier experience working as a minister in the USA. In 2012-2013, my family and I travelled to Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota where I worked as the College chaplain. And this past fall, I was asked to serve as minister in New York (for SKUT), an eight-week assignment. It is with positive anticipation that I will be returning to the States and serve as minister in San Francisco!
 
           Thanks Sabina! WELCOME TO SAN FRANCISCO!