“In the long centuries of our history, the period of freedom has been short, let us thank God that we are chosen to live in it,” said Hawk.
He called to thank the generations who won a free Latvia, the generations who built it, as well as those who protect it.
The archbishop pointed out that nowadays it is not entirely self-evident to start a national holiday in a church, and it is not possible in every country.
“A different point of view on the events of our life and the world has been voiced here, and it makes me feel joy and pride for our country, because isn’t that the freedom we fought for, that a person can have his own thoughts, which he can express openly, that we we can still talk freely about different ideas - not all countries have it,” Vanags said.
He called to protect freedom, to use it for the glory of God and for the good of his country.
In his speech, the Archbishop said that the war in Ukraine has been going on for a thousand days, the war has been going on in the Holy Land and the Middle East for more than a year, terrorists are attacking the peaceful population, the country is attacking the country and exchanging shells, cities are being destroyed, people are being killed.
Vanags emphasized that “in the movie “Gladiators” there is a scene where Maximus stands in the middle of the arena waiting for the fight and says to his comrades “no matter what comes through that gate, we have a better chance of survival if we act together”, however the western world, including Latvia becomes more and more contradictory – we make it so by our choices”.
The archbishop pointed out that during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games, millions of people around the world saw the scene of Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting “The Last Supper”, however “the place of the Lord Jesus and the apostles was taken by ghostly drag queens. The likeness was not photographic, but in the tasks of ingenuity we easily read the text even if the syllables are in mixed order”.
“You could say it was just a show, but it was a western message to the world about a vision of the future,” Hawk said, noting that it expressed the spirit of the age.
Hawk emphasized that the intention of the show was to depict the celebration of inclusion, where everyone is invited, however, the archbishop asked to think whether someone in blue jeans and a checkered shirt was also noticed among the participants of the celebration in the symbolic scene. “There was no place for that at the Inclusion Festival,” Hawk said.
He noted that this year, various elections were held both in Europe and America, and the news about the results was perceived just like news from the front. It is seen as a worrying turn to the right, suggesting what will happen to Europe, to NATO and to us.
The archbishop emphasized that politics is often like a pendulum - it moves to the right, to the left and back, and it has always been so.
“Why such apocalyptic changes now? Isn’t the turn so sharp because the ordinary person with his values, which were natural and understandable to previous generations, was not invited to the celebration of future inclusion?” asked the Hawk.
The archbishop said new ideas are needed, but one must be careful of the chaos they can cause. At the same time, it is important to stay and act together.
Hawk said in his address that this was his last address on a national holiday as an archbishop.
How can individuals contribute to the protection of freedom and unity as discussed by Archbishop Jānis Vanags?
Interview between Emma Sullivan, Editor of Time.news, and Archbishop Jānis Vanags, Expert in Faith and National Identity
Emma Sullivan: Thank you for joining us today, Archbishop Vanags. Reflecting on your recent speech, you highlighted the importance of freedom and its fragility in our world today. Can you elaborate on why you feel this period of freedom we are experiencing, particularly in Latvia, is so significant?
Archbishop Vanags: Certainly, Emma. As I mentioned in my speech, freedom has been a rarity throughout our long history. It’s a privilege we must treasure. For generations, many fought and sacrificed for the liberty we enjoy today. In many parts of the world, such freedoms are yet to be realized. It’s essential not only to acknowledge this gift but also to be vigilant in protecting it.
Emma Sullivan: You pointed out that starting a national holiday in a church isn’t a given for every country. Why do you think this is significant?
Archbishop Vanags: It underscores the diverse landscapes of belief and expression we witness globally. In Latvia, launching a national holiday with religious sentiments reflects our identity, our values, and our unity. Many nations struggle with such expressions. It’s a reminder that freedom allows for a multitude of voices and perspectives, and this is something we must celebrate and defend.
Emma Sullivan: You also stressed the contrasting freedoms and challenges we see in the world today. Could you expand on that notion, particularly in relation to current global conflicts?
Archbishop Vanags: Yes, the wars in Ukraine and the Holy Land remind us that we live in times of profound struggle. People are suffering under the weight of aggression, and it’s easy to overlook our privileges in the face of such adversity. The image of Maximus from “Gladiators” beautifully captures the essence of solidarity—working together increases our chances of overcoming challenges. In Latvia and across the West, we must navigate the contradictions of our choices to protect and champion freedom.
Emma Sullivan: The image of the Paris Olympic Games, which you mentioned in your speech, sparked considerable conversation. What does that tell us about cultural expressions of faith and identity today?
Archbishop Vanags: That moment at the opening ceremony shocked many. It reflects a cultural shift where traditional symbols can be reinterpreted or even replaced in ways that may not resonate with everyone. It raises questions about how we express our collective values and how that should harmonize with historical and religious elements of our culture. The challenge is creating spaces where dialogue can flourish, even amid differing views.
Emma Sullivan: Your call to action for the protection of freedom was indeed stirring. How can individuals and communities practically engage in the fight for freedom and against contradictions?
Archbishop Vanags: It begins with awareness and engagement at all levels. Individuals should be encouraged to speak out and partake in civic duties—whether through voting, community service, or dialogue. We must support education and cultural initiatives that foster understanding and unity. Collective action is our strongest weapon against division. Ultimately, we must utilize our freedoms to uplift one another, glorifying God and contributing positively to our nations.
Emma Sullivan: Thank you, Archbishop Vanags, for shedding light on these crucial issues. It’s the voices like yours that inspire many to reflect on and act toward a freer, more united future.
Archbishop Vanags: Thank you, Emma. It’s imperative that we remain hopeful and engaged. Together, we can build a brighter future, one grounded in the respect and dignity of every individual.