Riga, September 16, 2025
Pat. Bartholomew with Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs. Photo: mixnews.lv
Greek Orthodox media outlets are raising alarms about what they describe as the Patriarchate of Constantinople’s latest attempt to create division within the Orthodox Church, this time in Latvia, following similar patterns seen in Ukraine, Lithuania, and elsewhere.
According to Romfea, while Patriarch Bartholomew’s recent visit to Latvia from September 11-13, was officially focused on ecological matters, “the agenda clearly included ecclesiastical-political issues.” The outlet notes that the Patriarch met with the country’s political leadership, though it points out these meetings occurred “with an outgoing government, shortly before the Saeima (Parliament of Latvia) elections.”
Romfea provides historical context, stating that “until today, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has not managed to gain significant foothold in Latvia.” The outlet details previous failed attempts, including Abbot Viktor Kontuzorov’s 2019 creation of the so-called “Latvian Orthodox Autonomous Church” under the Ecumenical Patriarchate, claiming 10 parishes that “collapsed after his death.”
The report identifies a new figure, Davids Šterns, a 45-year-old married priest with four children, as potentially central to current developments. According to Romfea, Metropolitan Alexander of Latvia, “had refused to ordain David Šterns, which led the latter to seek ordination from the Ecumenical Patriarchate.” Šterns reportedly believes the Latvian Orthodox Church “did not sufficiently condemn” Russian imperialism and thinks Moscow’s position in Latvia “should be replaced by the Ecumenical Patriarchate.”
Romfea reports that Pat. Bartholomew “is said to have presented to the Latvian authorities a new plan: the placement of priests under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the country’s armed forces.” The outlet warns that if this happens, “priests of the Latvian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) will gradually be excluded—exactly as happened in Ukraine.”
The publication questions Patriarch Bartholomew’s statement about renewing “historical ties” with Latvia, noting that “the substantial presence of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Latvia was limited to just four years.” Romfea suggests “many analysts see that the Phanar is trying to implement in Latvia an ‘Estonia or Lithuania model,’” which includes “creating a new structure (perhaps an Exarchate) with state support, claiming properties in Riga and possibly selling them.”
Significantly, Romfea notes that “Metropolitan Alexander of Latvia (Moscow Patriarchate) did not participate in the ecumenical prayer at the Riga cathedral,” interpreting this absence as “a clear message that the Local Church rejects the beginning of a new attempt by the Ecumenical Patriarchate to establish itself in Latvia.”
Vima Orthodoxias takes an even more dramatic tone, with its headline warning of “Toward a new schism in Orthodoxy: Rapid developments with Bartholomew and the Church of Latvia—The backstage story.” The outlet states that the Patriarch’s visit “has caused turmoil in ecclesiastical and diplomatic circles.”
According to Vima Orthodoxias, “the contacts he had with the state and political leadership of the country, but also the messages he conveyed from the cathedral and university podiums, open the way for new developments, which many already characterize as a prelude to a new schism in Orthodoxy.”
The outlet reports that Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics “praised the role of Patriarch Bartholomew in supporting the Ukrainian Church and noted that Latvia has decided to stand unwavering against any Russian influence.” Parliament President Daiga Mieriņa reportedly “clarified that the Latvian Church has already separated its position from the Russian Orthodox Church and that any cooperation with it is legally prohibited.”
Vima Orthodoxias quotes Bartholomew as characterizing Patriarch Kirill’s stance as “unacceptable” and emphasizing that “the Church cannot legitimize war.” Prime Minister Evika Siliņa reportedly spoke of a “historic moment” for the country, thanking Pat. Bartholomew “for his unwavering support for Ukraine and for the message of unity he conveys.”
The outlet warns that “the Russian Orthodox Church views these developments with great suspicion,” noting that “Latvia is following the Ukrainian model: institutional and legal separation from Moscow and strengthening ties with the Phanar.” It predicts Moscow “may react strongly, considering this move as a ‘schism’ and ‘illegal interference by the Phanar.’“
Vima Orthodoxias emphasizes Latvia’s geopolitical significance as “a member of the EU and NATO, with strong anti-Eastern orientation,” suggesting that political leadership’s support for the Phanar “strengthens the position of the Patriarchate in Eastern Europe and creates a precedent for other Baltic countries and the region.”
The outlet concludes: “The question that arises is whether this path will lead to yet another schism in Orthodoxy,” warning that while Moscow “appears determined not to accept any move that undermines its spiritual dominance,” the Phanar “appears ready to support local Churches that want to break away from Moscow, presenting itself as the ‘guardian’ of unity. In reality, however, it is unity that is threatened.”
Both outlets present these developments as part of a broader pattern, with Vima Orthodoxias stating that “Orthodoxy finds itself once again before a historic turning point, with the Phanar and Moscow on a collision course.”
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