On June 1st, Latvia will celebrate the 11th annual "Night of Churches" and the 4th annual "Open Church Day." More than 100 churches across Latvia will be open to visitors from 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM and beyond. The event coincides with International Children's Day, ensuring a special focus on activities for children, according to the event's website.

"Each church will offer a diverse program, including tours, exhibitions, concerts featuring choirs and solo performers, and performances by music school students. This year, special attention has been given to families with children, incorporating animation or sand art, educational quizzes, sports activities, and other interactive experiences," the event organizers stated.

Traditionally, a new church is selected each year for the official opening of the "Night of Churches." This year, representatives from traditional Christian denominations will gather at the Baltezers Evangelical Lutheran Church for the opening ceremony.

The event will feature participation from churches of all Christian denominations in Latvia, including Catholic, Lutheran, Orthodox, and the Armenian Apostolic Church. Among them are two Russian Orthodox Churches: Alexander Nevsky and the Annunciation Church.

The majority of open churches will be in Vidzeme, with 49 churches participating. Riga and the Riga region will have 40 churches open, followed by 30 in Kurzeme. Zemgale, Selonia, and Latgale will collectively have 41 churches participating.

The concept of the "Night of Churches" originated in Austria 20 years ago and has been held in Latvia since 2014. "Open Church Day" was introduced in 2021 to allow people to visit churches during the day or even in the morning.

Photo: Alexander Nevsky Church in Riga / © Ivan Marchuk / Photobank Lori