Invitation

Association of St James Way in Latvia is happy to invite you to the festive occasion dedicated to St James Day and the setting up St James Way signpost
on the Latvia-Estonia border in Valka/ Valga on August 2, 2020.

A year ago, on July 25, the first symbol of St. James Way in Latvia was placed in the pavement in front of St. James Cathedral in Riga. This symbol – bronze shell confirms Latvia’s joining the international network of historic St. James pilgrimage route. The destination city of Santiago de Compostela in Spain is more than 4,000 km away and can be reached by Latvian pilgrims in approximately 6 months. From the Estonian border to the Lithuanian border the Latvian section of St James Way or Camino Latvia is approximately 300 km.
This year during the festive occasion dedicated to St James Day we will set up St James’s Way signpost on the Latvia-Estonia border. The signpost will also be adorned with the symbol of the shell, the route indicator for pilgrims in St. James Way.

We will celebrate together with our supporters and honorable guests who include
• representatives of Valka municipality
• representatives of Valka Tourist Information centre
• ministers of Latvian and Estonian Churches:
Rev. Vallo Ehasalu, pastor of Harlaga Ev.-Luth. congregation
Rev. Andris Reiters, pastor of Valka-Lugaži and Vijciems Ev.-Luth. congregations, chaplain of Strenči hospital
Rev. Aldis Kalcenavs, pastor of Burtnieki, Ēvele un Dikļi Ev.-Luth. congregations
Rev. Ivars Jēkabsons, pastor of Ādaži-Carnikava Ev.-Luth. congregation
• representatives of Associations of St James Way Camino Latvia, Camino Lituano, Camino Estonia, Camino Polaco

Programme
10.00 Divine service at Valga Jaani Kirik, celebrated by Rev. Vallo Ehasalu
11.00 Placing a Camino symbol at Jaani Kirik Valga
11.15 Festive walk to Putras kalns in Valka.
11.30 Setting up of St James Way signpost, words of greeting by Chairman of Valka Municipality Council Mr. Vents Armands Krauklis
12.00 Words of greeting, blessings and prayers for St James Way by representatives of the clergy
12.30 Words of greeting by representatives of Tourist Information centre
12.45 Words of greeting by representatives of Associations of St James Way Camino Latvia, Camino Lituano, Camino Estonia, Camino Polaco
13.15 7 km long walk through the towns of Valga and Valka with guide narration of major places, closing at Valka Open Air Stage. Tea, coffee, friendly conversations.

Sincerely welcome every supporter of St. James Way!