The solemn consecration of a Latvian flag at the Sārnate Baptist Church

An ecumenical service was held at the Sārnate Baptist Church on 13 September 2025. The solemn consecration of a Latvian flag formed a part of the service. Afterwards,  the flag was raised on the newly installed flagpole next to the church. This was made possible thanks to the generous donations from people who responded to Lidija Lasmane's appeal to give this wonderful gift to the congregation in celebration of her 100th birthday on 28 July this year.

Friends and supporters were all invited to attend this special occasion, filling the small church with joy and gratitude to God for Latvia and for Lidija, whose presence brightens everyone's life.

The service and the flag’s consecration were attended by Normunds Zariņš, pastor of the Sārnate Baptist Church; Pēteris Eisāns, pastor of the Madona Baptist Church; Egils Ozoliņš, former long-standing minister of the Sārnate Baptist Church; and Dr. Hist. Gundars Ceipe, Head of the United Brethren Church of Latvia and the Liepāja Bishop Emeritus of the LELB, Pāvils Brūvers.

Words of greeting, insight and joy were expressed by the clergy in attendance, as well as by publicist Arnis Šablovskis; Solvita Vība, Director of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia; Valters Nollendorfs, long-standing Chairman of the Board of the Occupation Museum Association; Voldemārs Dūdums, Chairman of the Board of the Sārnate Citizens' Association; Prof. Dr. oec. Inese Vaidere, a Member of the European Parliament and also the pilgrim, poet and publicist Zaiga Ābele. 

The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by performances from the Ugāle brass band and the Ozoliņš family ensemble. Meanwhile, members of the Ugāle dance group, dressed in traditional attire, carried the flag solemnly. 
After the service, all the participants gathered in the church courtyard. There, Lidija Lasmane and Pastor Egils Ozoliņš hoisted the consecrated Latvian flag to the top of the flagpole.

The national anthem, which is a prayer for Latvia, was sung, after which Lidija reminded us that we Latvians have been given everything we need to live successfully in our own homeland.

We would like to thank all the donors and attendees of the flag dedication ceremony for their invaluable support.

The event was organised by the Sārnate Baptist Church in collaboration with the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia.  Additional support was also provided by the Ventspils Municipality Council and the Sārnate Residents' Association.