Archbishop in Aglona: Latvia must be protected from war; both borders and spiritual strength matter
Archbishop Metropolitan Zbigņevs Stankevičs emphasised at the Assumption vigil in Aglona that Latvia needs to strengthen both physical and spiritual security amid the war in Ukraine and hybrid threats.
On Friday evening, August 14, Archbishop Metropolitan Zbigņevs Stankevičs celebrated the vigil Mass of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Aglona. In his homily he stressed the need to preserve Latvia from war, noting that the Ukrainian people are fighting for their country's existence and independence and that hybrid warfare is already fully underway, taking new forms and affecting Latvia and neighbouring nations.
He described two dimensions of security. The first is the human dimension: strengthening Latvia's borders, reinforcing and preparing the National Armed Forces and the National Guard, and treating the strengthening of society's loyalty to the state as a priority task. He also underscored the importance of membership in international security structures.
The second is the spiritual dimension. In difficult moments and crises, the spiritual strength of individuals and the nation is decisive, based on two pillars: patriotism and love of one's land, and faith – drawing strength from God. He recalled the battle of David and Goliath, saying David went to defend his land and people not relying on his own strength but in the name of the Lord of Hosts, and won.
The archbishop also noted that there have been many recent publications about the tragic demographic situation, which applies not only to Latvia but to all of Eastern Europe and many other regions.
