It is a time of new mercy, 25-26.11

On November 25-26, at the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, Palasta iela 4, the international ecumenical theological conference "It is a time of new mercy" will take place. It will be dedicated to pastoral work and is organized by the Riga Higher Institute of Religious Sciences and the Riga Theological Institute in cooperation with Luther Academy. Addresses will be given by representatives of Latvia's Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran and Baptist Churches, as well as guests from Italy and Poland. The conference will include not only scholarly papers, but also times of prayer, discussions and exchange of experience.

On November 25 the conference will be opened by students of the Riga Catholic Theological Seminary with the chant Veni Creator. This will be followed by addresses from the conference leader Fr. Andris Marija Jerumanis, Apostolic Nuncio to the Baltic States Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi, bishops, representatives of the government and ministries, and a prayer by a representative of the Orthodox Church, with participation by a liturgical choir group from Alexander Nevsky Church. On the first day of the conference, Orthodox priest Jānis Dravants will introduce participants to "Understanding pastoral ministry in the heritage of the Eastern Church Fathers". Fr. Andris Marija Jerumanis will speak about "Understanding God's mercy in the tradition of the Catholic Church: God's mercy - the source of humanity's hope". LELB pastor Guntis Kalme will present the paper "Christ for us as a paradigm of pastoral theology". At the end of the day, joint vespers are planned for participants.

The second day of the conference, November 26, will begin with a prayer and address by LELB Archbishop Jānis Vanags. During the day there will be an opportunity to hear papers by Baiba Brūdere, Dr. theol., "To know God's mercy and become merciful. Opportunity, calling or challenge. The experience of St. Thérèse of Lisieux"; Fr. Andris Priede, Dr. Hist. Eccl., "The imperative of the virtue of mercy in the history of Christianity"; University of Verona professor Claudio Girelli, Dr. paed., "The pastoral counselor as a promoter of unity"; Fr. Mieczysław Puzewicz of the Catholic University of Lublin, "Volunteer work - a response to Christ's call"; Baptist pastor Edgars Mažis, Mag. theol., "Compassion for people - aspects of pastoral ministry in Latvian Baptist churches"; physician Juris Meiers, D.M., lecturer at Riga Stradiņš University and chaplain of the Oncology Center, "Words that heal - how to speak with the sick"; and Viesturs Kleinbergs, deputy head of the Social Administration of the Riga City Council Welfare Department, "Time for HeartWork", or an opportunity to become involved in the foster family movement. The conclusion will include a panel discussion, prayer, Bible reading and more.

During the conference, the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation will also host a drawing exhibition, "As I have loved you, so you also love one another", gathering about 50 children's drawings sent to the RARZI Catechesis Center from various Latvian cities.

Conference agenda Word format

Any interested person may participate in the ecumenical theological conference, but clergy and theology students are especially invited.

Participation fee - Ls 1
Additional information:
+371 29527064
lolita_ergle@inbox.lv