Introduction / History

Latvians (also called Letts) have their own language and culture that sets them apart from their neighbors, the Estonians, Lithuanians and Russians. Their ancestors lived in modern Latvia 3,000 years ago. Their language, Latvian, has been a separate language since the 800s. It is part of the Baltic-Finnic sub-branch of the Uralic language family. Genetically, they are similar to the neighboring Lithuanians.

Latvian history is defined by being controlled by Germans from the West and Russians from the East. They had their independence after WWI but lost it when the USSR engulfed and forced them to become one of the Soviet Socialist Republics. They regained their independence in 1991 when the USSR dissolved.

The Latvian diaspora has representatives in 21 countries, mostly former Soviet states and countries in Western Europe and North America. Many left Latvia in the early 1900s; more left after WWII and the Soviet occupation.

Latvians have lived in Russia ever since the Russian Empire annexed Latvia in the 1700s. In the 1800s many Latvian peasant farmers moved east and wound up in Siberia and the Urals in hopes of growing crops. Others joined the Bolsheviks and became leaders in the Communist Revolution. In the 1930s, Soviet leader Josef Stalin purged the USSR of those who weren’t loyal to him; thousands of Latvians were killed. Some Latvians returned from Russia to Latvia after the demise of the Soviet Union in 1991. Those who remain are usually in Russian cities.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Latvians in Russia have made their mark in media, business, economics, acting and politics.

Latvians have their own cuisine, including pork stew with carrots and potatoes. They also have their own forms of song and dance. Latvian folk costumes feature a Latvian belt and a wide sash with a woven geometric pattern.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Over half of Latvians are Christians. Christianity takes several forms: Evangelical Lutheran, Roman Catholic, and even a small number from the Latvian Orthodox Church. Unfortunately, the Christian Teutonic Order forced Christianity upon them in the 700s.

What Are Their Needs?

Latvians need spiritual hunger. They have many forms of Christianity, but what matters most is a close, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. There is no substitute for a relationship with the Almighty!

Prayer Points

Pray for Latvians to draw closer to the Lord, seek his face, and obey his ways.
Pray for a Christ-centered revival in all Latvian church traditions.
Pray that soon, Latvian disciples will make more disciples wherever they live.

Scripture Prayers for the Latvian, Lett in Russia.

References

https://latvians.com/index.php?en/CFBH/TheStoryOfLatvia/SoLatvia-01-chap.ssi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latvians
https://www.onlatvia.com/topics/culture-of-latvia
https://www.latvia.travel/en/culture-and-traditions-latvia
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