RIGA – Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s visit to Latvia on September 12 included meetings with top Latvian officials, focusing on faith, ecumenical relations, Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, and the complex situation in the Middle East.

President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at Riga Castle, emphasizing Latvia’s strong ecumenical tradition and the prosperous collaboration between the state and various Christian denominations. He voiced strong support for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I’s firm stance against Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

“Russia continues it’s attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and population, including religious buildings, showing no willingness whatsoever to engage in constructive talks on a ceasefire and peace,” Rinkēvičs stated.

the President also addressed the Middle East, stressing the critical need for the release of hostages held by Hamas and for addressing the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza by ensuring safe aid delivery and protecting civilian lives.

meeting with Prime Minister Evika Siliņa

Prime minister Evika Siliņa also engaged in discussions with the Ecumenical Patriarch on the same day.

“I highly value the significant contribution of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the promotion of peace in the world and his genuine love of faith. I am grateful for his unwavering support for Ukraine and for the importance of an autonomous Church,” emphasized the Prime Minister.

Siliņa highlighted the importance of Patriarch Bartholomew’s visit to Latvia for the Orthodox community, affirming the strong connections between the country and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

“Religious diversity is a wealth for the state, and global peace is grounded in peace among religious organizations.”

Meeting with Speaker of the Saeima Daiga Mieriņa

Speaker of the Saeima Daiga Mieriņa welcomed Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Parliament,expressing gratitude for his stance against Russian aggression.

“We appreciate your firm stance against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and your efforts to promote peace processes worldwide,” said Speaker Mieriņa.

Mieriņa emphasized Latvia’s commitment to exposing Russia’s crimes in Ukraine, including human rights violations and the abduction of children, on the international stage.”Russia’s actions show that it seeks to achieve its goals by force and has no desire for peace,” she added.

The Patriarch condemned Russia’s aggression, calling the support from the Russian Orthodox Church‘s leadership unacceptable.He reiterated the Church’s role as a promoter of peace and noted that his visit was an possibility to strengthen cooperation with the ecumenical Patriarchate for the benefit of both the faithful and society.

Mieriņa also highlighted Latvia’s tradition of interfaith dialog, to which His All Holiness responded:

“Religious diversity is a wealth for the state, and global peace is grounded in peace among religious organizations.”