President Levits’ congratulatory speech
Your Eminence,
Best wishes on your special day!
I am deeply honoured to present you the Certificate of Merit of the President of Latvia which highlights your personal contribution to stronger relations between church and the state of Latvia, role of Latvian Orthodox Church and more cohesive society.
The role you personally played in restoring the historical legal status of Latvian Orthodox Church is very important for the Latvian Orthodox Church and the whole society.
Fully functioning and independent Latvian Orthodox Church has been important for independent Latvia right from the moment of Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia. Latvian Orthodox community of independent and sovereign Latvia must have its own Orthodox church which functions in line with Latvia’s laws.
Shortly after Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia, Archbishop Jānis Pommers, and, after the restoration of Latvia’s independence, also you personally made sure that Latvian Orthodox Church has full legal status and can be fully functioning and independent church which is represented in all parts of independent Latvia and brings together all members of the Latvian Orthodox community.
I wish you good health and plenty of energy!
