Ukrainian Greek Catholic leader consecrates chapel during Latvia visit

Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, consecrated a chapel at the Ukrainian House in Latvia during his first visit to the country, LSM reports.

Dozens of people, many of whom came to Latvia because of Russia’s war against Ukraine, gathered to welcome him. Shevchuk said his visit was also intended to thank Latvians for their solidarity with Ukraine as it resists Russian aggression. He urged them to continue supporting the country.

“I feel at home here in Riga,” Shevchuk said, pointing to Ukrainian flags, an active Ukrainian community and children and young people praying and singing in Ukrainian. He thanked Latvia for its hospitality.

The visit will continue on Sunday, when Shevchuk is due to celebrate a divine liturgy at Riga’s St James Cathedral. The consecration of the chapel was especially important to Ukrainians in Latvia, said Roman Sapuzhaks, a priest of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic parish.