The Latvian Orthodox Church has not applied to the Patriarch of Constantinople for a change of status

Despite the fact that three years ago the Latvian government legislated the autocephaly status of the Latvian Orthodox Church (LOC), it has never received canonical confirmation of its independence. In addition, in connection with the information that the LOC asked Constantinople Patriarch Bartholomew to approve the autocephaly of the Church, a refutation of such statements appeared.

According to the LETA news agency with reference to the Latvian TV program “De facto”, after the outbreak of war the LOC, which was under the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate, agreed to sever ties with the Russian Church and supported amendments to the law proclaiming its full independence. However, according to the adopted act, in order to canonically consolidate the status, the Moscow Patriarchate had to issue a Tomos on autocephaly, which has not happened so far.

According to Valdis Teraudkalns, a professor at the theological faculty of the University of Latvia, in accordance with canonical rules, if the Moscow Patriarchate refuses, the Patriarchate of Constantinople can give such recognition. Nevertheless, when representatives of the LOC had the opportunity to meet with Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople during his recent visit to Riga, this did not happen. Metropolitan Alexander of Riga and All Latvia did not officially meet with the Patriarch and declined the invitation to a joint divine service.

At the same time, according to the program “De facto”, in practice at least one of the LOC churches in Riga continues to remember Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia in prayers. The Latvian Orthodox Church itself categorically refused to answer journalists’ questions. At the same time, the State Security Service (SSS) stated that, according to its information, the LOC complies with Latvian laws, but the agency continues to pay attention to the activities of the church community.

Earlier it was reported that Metropolitan Alexander of Riga and All Latvia allegedly held a secret meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew during the latter’s visit to Latvia last week. The reason for the meeting may have been to discuss the issue of granting autocephaly to the Latvian Orthodox Church (LOC).