About the Church
The Church of St Anne in Bijutiškis is a true gem of history and architecture, situated on the shore of Lake Stirniai. This wooden church, with its elegant lines and rich history, attracts not only local residents but also tourists and pilgrims.
The church's history goes back to the 15th century, when Ona Eirudavičienė built the first church in 1478 and endowed it with considerable wealth. Unfortunately, the old church has not survived — it was replaced by a new one, built in 1789. But time was not kind to this church either — in 1868 the Russian authorities closed and demolished it.
Despite the difficulties, the community of believers in Bijutiškis did not give up. In 1925 a temporary church was set up in a masonry Orthodox church built in 1875. But real change came in 1930–1931, when the priest Karolis Bielinis built the present wooden church.
This church is not only a house of prayer but also a fine architectural work. It is notable for its rectangular plan, three-sided apse and two sacristies on either side of it. Inside, visitors are greeted by three naves separated by slender piers — creating a special sense of space. The church also has three altars, installed in 1954–1958 by the parish priest Nikodemas Švogžlys-Milžinas.
The Church of St Anne in Bijutiškis is inseparable from the life and traditions of the local community. It bears witness to the people's diligence, faith, and ability to maintain the continuity of their cultural values despite historical hardships. Visiting this church, one can sense not only the breath of history but also the spirit of the local people and their determination to preserve their heritage.
The church's history goes back to the 15th century, when Ona Eirudavičienė built the first church in 1478 and endowed it with considerable wealth. Unfortunately, the old church has not survived — it was replaced by a new one, built in 1789. But time was not kind to this church either — in 1868 the Russian authorities closed and demolished it.
Despite the difficulties, the community of believers in Bijutiškis did not give up. In 1925 a temporary church was set up in a masonry Orthodox church built in 1875. But real change came in 1930–1931, when the priest Karolis Bielinis built the present wooden church.
This church is not only a house of prayer but also a fine architectural work. It is notable for its rectangular plan, three-sided apse and two sacristies on either side of it. Inside, visitors are greeted by three naves separated by slender piers — creating a special sense of space. The church also has three altars, installed in 1954–1958 by the parish priest Nikodemas Švogžlys-Milžinas.
The Church of St Anne in Bijutiškis is inseparable from the life and traditions of the local community. It bears witness to the people's diligence, faith, and ability to maintain the continuity of their cultural values despite historical hardships. Visiting this church, one can sense not only the breath of history but also the spirit of the local people and their determination to preserve their heritage.