Philadelphia’s Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of St. John is the oldest Latvian Lutheran congregation in the United States. and a member of the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (LELBA). St. John’s Church unites Latvian Lutherans with an aim to preach God’s Word in our own language, and to cultivate our spiritual traditions in today’s multicultural environment with services in both English and Latvian.
Services are usually held on Sunday at 11:00 AM Fall though Spring and in the Summer at 10:00.
The Latvian Church of St. John is a community of about 100 families who are of Latvian heritage, have Latvian family members, or have interest in a culturally diverse Lutheran experience. The church is an area hub for both Latvian cultural and religious activity. Latvian School, which goes through the eighth grade, is active during the school year. Other social and cultural events are a frequent part of the church calendar and have included folk dancing, music and art exhibits and craft fairs.
Our chapel accommodates about 100 in a warm, intimate setting with an attached social hall. The church and social hall are available for rent to both church members and non-members.
All are cordially invited to attend services or special events – see the “Calendar” page.