St. John's Church - Riga, Latvia
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member Marine Biologist
N 56° 56.862 E 024° 06.611
35V E 324233 N 6315280
St. John's Church was formed in the 13th century as part of the Catholic Dominican order, but is now a Lutheran Church. It is the oldest church in Riga. It is still an active place of worship, but is also used as a concert venue.
Waymark Code: WMPKDM
Location: Latvia
Date Posted: 09/13/2015
Published By:Groundspeak Regular Member Dorcadion Team
Views: 8
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"St. John's Church (Latvian: Sveta Jana Evangeliski luteriska baznica) is a Lutheran church in Riga, the capital of Latvia. It is a parish church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia.

Dedication

The church is dedicated to St John the Baptist and contains several art works related to the saint, including a large painting on the north side of the crossing, and a stained glass window depicting the saint, to the right (south) of the high altar. The window, with others, was installed around 1900.

History

The church is built on the site of the palace of Bishop Albert of Riga (thirteenth century). In 1234 Dominican friars took responsibility for the original small chapel and dedicated it to St John the Baptist. It was extended around 1330, and continued as a Dominican chapel and parish church until 1523, and the Reformation. It continued as a parish church of the reformed Evangelical Lutheran Church. From 1587 there was further expansion of the church, in stages. The church suffered severe damage in Riga's great city fire of 31 May 1677, but was repaired, with a new spire added.

Current use

The church is an active place of worship, with more than a thousand registered members, and public worship every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening. It is also a popular tourist venue, and is regularly open to visitors when guides are available. The church is also used as a concert venue, due to its large size and good acoustic properties."

--Wikipedia (visit link)
Date the Church was built, dedicated or cornerstone laid: 01/01/1234

Age of Church building determined by?: Other reliable source

If denomination of Church is not part of the name, please provide it here: Lutheran

If Church is open to the public, please indicate hours: From: 10:00 AM To: 5:30 PM

If Church holds a weekly worship service and "all are welcome", please give the day of the week: Sunday

Indicate the time that the primary worship service is held. List only one: 10:00 AM

Street address of Church:
Jāņa ielā 7
Riga, Latvia
LV 1050

Primary website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link]

Secondary Website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link]
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Recent Visits/Logs:
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InGodsHands visited St. John's Church - Riga, Latvia 09/04/2023 InGodsHands visited it
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