On Saturday, 16 May, the spiritual and cultural event “Church Night” will take place for the thirteenth time, during which several churches in our municipality will open their doors to visitors, inviting everyone to experience peace, music, prayer, and togetherness. Church Night is an opportunity for everyone – regardless of age or beliefs – to enter a church, experience its unique atmosphere, find peace, and be together.

 

Smiltene Evangelical Lutheran Church, Baznīcas laukums 1, Smiltene
The church will be open from 12:00 PM until 12:00 AM.

• Church bell ringing – at 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 10:00 PM;
• From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM – creative workshops for children and youth;
• From 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM – concert by students of Smiltene Music School (organ performance by Inga Rācene).
• From 5:00 PM – enjoy a soup prepared together in the church garden;
• 6:00 PM – address by Pastor Andis Smilga;
• 7:00 PM – musical performance by Klāvs Gulbis;
• 9:00 PM – common praying of the Lord’s Prayer;
• 10:00 PM – evening prayer;
• Throughout the day, visitors will have the opportunity to climb the church tower.

 

Smiltene St Nicholas Orthodox church, Dārza iela 14, Smiltene
The church will be open from 12:00 PM until 10:00 PM.

 

Smiltenes Roman Catholic church, Vaļņu iela 17, Smiltene
The church will be open from 6:00 PM until 10:30 PM.

• 6:30 PM – lecture and discussion “Being a Gift to Others” (Egīls Purviņš);
• 6:30 PM – cotton candy workshop and creative activities for children;
• 7:30 PM – classical music concert (featuring aspiring and current musicians of the congregation);
• 9:00 PM – common praying of the Lord’s Prayer;
• 9:15 PM – worship and praise.

 

Raunas Evengelical Lutheran church, Vidzemes iela 1A, Rauna
The church will be open from 9:00 AM until 11:00 PM.

• 6:00 PM – the kokle ensemble “Wendenkokle” of Alfrēds Kalniņš Cēsis Music Secondary School and soloists;
• 9:00 PM – liturgical dance performances.

 

Apes St Matthew Evengelical Lutheran church, Pasta iela 11, Ape
The church will be open from 6:00 PM until 12:00 PM.

• 6:00 PM – concert by students of the Ape branch of Smiltene Music School educational programmes;
• 7:00 PM – creative workshop “The Dove of Peace” and a conversation with Pastor Vilnis Sliņķis;
• 9:00 PM – common praying of the Lord’s Prayer.

 

Palsmane Evangelical Lutheran Church

The church will be open from 6:00 PM.

• At 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM – listen to the sounds of the church bells;
• From 6:00 PM – exhibitions on display: Marika Svīķe’s angel collection and the exhibition “Baroque Ornaments and Medieval Stained Glass” featuring works by 9th grade students of Palsmane Primary School;
• In the Peace Corner – an opportunity to light a candle and spend time in silence;
• Opportunity to explore the history of the church with a guide;
• Opportunity to climb the church tower;
• 10:00 PM – candlelight concert “Perhaps Happiness Is…”.

 

Rauna Roman Catholic Congregation of St Michael the Archangel, Jaunatnes iela 10, Rauna
The church will be open from 12:00 AM until 12:00 PM.

• Visitors will be able to view liturgical objects, learn about the history of the congregation, and spend time in silence;
• 9:00 PM – common praying of the Lord’s Prayer at the close of the evening.

 

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