Latvian Orthodox

Latvian Orthodox is a branch of the Eastern Orthodox Church in the republic of Latvia. It dates back to the 1840's when native Lativans (who were at that time citizens of the Russian Empire) petitioned the Czar to be allowed to conduct services in their native tongue. The Orthodox Church enjoyed some success in its missions among the Latvians due to its use of the Latvian languge. However, it was always regarded suspiciously by the Lutheran Germanic nobles of the area. The Latvian Church was brutally oppressed by the Bolsheviks. It was during the early period of the Soviet regime that St. John of Riga was the Metropolitan.

Related Topics:
Eastern Orthodox - Latvia - Bolsheviks

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The religion was mentioned in the popular sitcom Seinfeld where the character George converts to the religion to surprise his Latvian Orthodox ex-girlfriend, in the hope of winning her back.

Related Topics:
Sitcom - Seinfeld

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