Latvia: church catches fire during prayers for Ukraine conflict

A Lutheran church in the Baltic state Latavia in Europe caught fire yesterday in the middle of prayers for the Russia-Ukraine conflict to stop.

Baldon parish of the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church catches fire during prayers dedicated to Ukraine in conflict

According to Mail BD news, the fire broke at a time when the pastor was praying to God about the forgiveness of Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine.

“‘Is it possible to forgive Russian soldiers, Father?’ Asked the pastor raising his eyes up, during a sermon on the events in Ukraine” Mail BD reported on 22nd March 2022.

At that moment, the fire broke out from the ceiling above the congregation and was captured by the local television which came to cover the prayers at the church.

Pastor Juris Morits of the Baldon parish of the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church did not realise the fire break out and continued preaching until the fire tore the skins of the ceiling and flames started to fall.

According to the video seen and tweeted by Faith Reporters, the broadcast was interrupted when fragments of the ceiling began to fall with flames of fire and the frighted preacher stopped in bewilderedness while the congregation shouted ‘fire’.

About a score of people in the congregation left the church before the fire brigade came to the church rescue.

Mail BD reported that the roof and the upper floor of the temple were damaged.

Pastor Morits told reporters that they expect the fire to have come from the church chimney but are not sure because they have constantly checked the chimney, casting doubt at what caused the arson.

“Moritz assured that malicious arson was doubtful. At the same time, he stressed that fire safety rules were observed in the temple, and the chimney passed the necessary checks. Most likely, it was an accident from which no one is immune” Mail BD reported.

The church will not be used until reparation according to reports.

“‘Unfortunately, we will not be able to use the church for some time. Reparation works will begin in the near future” pastor Moritz reported.

References:

Mail BD Story

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