Eastern Europe

An Ecumenical pilgrimage to Latvia

Introduction

This will be the second ecumenical pilgrimage undertaken by our Churches which follows the successful pilgrimage to Rome in January 2009. Latvia’s religious history with Catholics, Lutherans, Orthodox, Methodists and some Anglicans, is a microcosm of the European experience of Christianity. The country was first evangelised in the Middle Ages by Catholics from Germany whose methods of forced conversion were deeply unpopular. Later Latvia became part of the Russian Empire and the Russian Orthodox Church expanded throughout the country. During the Reformation, the Lutheran Church quickly became established in most of Latvia and supplanted the Catholic Church as the main Christian domination. The different Churches have undergone a common experience in the 20th century of marginalisation and persecution. During the establishment of the first Latvian Republic after the First World War, there was a serious attempt to forge national identity using neo-pagan religion based on pre-Christian times. During the Second World War, the country suffered firstly under the Russians then under Nazi occupation before reverting back to Russian domination until 1989. Now the country is suffering particularly severe economic conditions stemming from the world financial crisis.

Prior to independence, there was a significant Jewish community in the country but this group was all but destroyed during the Second World War. There is now just a small community left and they are witness to a long history of persecution.

The Christian Churches have had to respond to these particular conditions together and their shared response may give inspiration for the very different circumstances of our own Christian life and ministry in London.

The pilgrimage, therefore, is partly spiritual, partly educational and with some of what might be called religious tourism. The Chaplains hope that this pilgrimage, like the previous one, will help foster relationships between our different Churches.

Basic Itinerary

DAY ONE - WEDNESDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER

London Stansted - Riga

Afternoon flight from Stansted to Riga. Transfer to our hotel, the Monte Christo located in the historic heart of the old city.

DAY TWO - THURSDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER

Riga

Tour of the historic heart of Riga to include visits to the Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Russian Orthodox Cathedrals. During the morning there will be a talk on the religious history of Latvia at the Lutheran Cathedral, followed by a boat trip. Please make your own arrangements for lunch. Free afternoon. Evening Prayer with address at the Anglican Church.

DAY THREE - FRIDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER

Aglona Shrine

Day visit to the Catholic shrine at Aglona where John Paul II celebrated Mass in 1993. Midday prayer with address. On the return journey stop at Daugavpils to visit the Synagogue, the only one left outside Riga. If time permits visit to the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Latvia’s second city. Free evening. For those who wish, dinner with the Chaplains at a local restaurant.

DAY FOUR - SATURDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER

Latvian Ethnographic Museum - Jermala

This morning we visit the Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum to be followed by a visit to Jermala, a seaside resort outside Riga. Please make your own arrangements for lunch. The coach will return to Riga in the afternoon. Evening Prayer with address at the Methodist Centre to be followed by dinner and a concert of Latvian music.

DAY FIVE - SUNDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER

Riga

Sunday services in different Cathedrals. Midday prayer together. Please make your own arrangements for lunch. Free afternoon. Evening Prayer with address at the Lutheran Cathedral.

DAY SIX - MONDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER

Riga - London Stansted

Mid-morning flight to London Stansted.

Travel Dates and Cost:

8th September 2010 - 13th September 2010
Six days
£569

Book now

Terms of Payment:

Deposit of £120.00 plus the insurance premium (if the cover we offer is required) per person on booking.
The above price is guaranteed until 8th July 2010. After this date there may be a surcharge for flights.

THIS TRIP INCLUDES:

Return scheduled flights on Ryanair: London Stansted - Riga. U.K. and Latvia departure taxes, 15kg checked-in luggage and 10kg hand luggage allowance, Air-conditioned touring coach as per the itinerary. 5-nights accommodation in shared twin-bedded rooms with private facilities at the 3-star Hotel Monte Kristo in Riga, guided walking tour in Riga. Meal plan: 5 breakfasts + 3 dinners.

EXTRAS:

Travel insurance at £28.50 per person )or your own cover). Single room supplement at £130.00 per person for the 5 nights (Limited number of single rooms available). 2 dinners (approx £16 each), lunches, and drinks.

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS AND WORSHIP:

Ecumenical

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