Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexei II said he hoped his recent visit to Latvia would "set a good start for this relationship" between Latvia and Russia, and to co-operate in cultural, economic and political areas.
Though it was the Alexei II's third visit to Latvia, it was his first as a Russian Orthodox Patriarch. It was the first by a Russian Orthodox Patriarch to Latvia in 900 years.
"I heard from all sides, 'Thanks for coming.,'" Alexei II said. "I also thanked God for this visit." During his three-day visit, Alexei II met with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Parliamentary speaker Ingrida Udre and Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis. He thanked Vike-Freiberga and Kalvitis for extending an invitation to visit Latvia. The trip began on May 27, when he laid flowers at the Freedom Monument in Riga. He conducted prayer services at several Orthodox churches and received the Latvian Tristar Order.
In the Orthodox Cathedral of the Birth of Christ, the patriarch held a prayer on May 27. He wished Orthodox believers to "multiply peace and the good in the world." People ""should be accompanied by the God's love and assistance in their road of life," he said.
