Elektrėnų Švč. Mergelės Marijos Kankinių Karalienės bažnyčia

Elektrėnai Church of Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs is one of the most impressive examples of contemporary sacred architecture in Lithuania. Situated in Elektrėnai, this church not only serves as a spiritual site but also attracts visitors with its unique design and its rich cultural activity.

The church's history began in 1989, when the parish of Elektrėnai was established. Before that, the faithful of Elektrėnai had to travel to the neighbouring towns of Vievis, Kietaviškės or Semeliškės. The initiative to establish a parish in Elektrėnai received broad community support – in a short time around 2,000 signatures were gathered requesting permission to build a church. The first parish priest was Jonas Sabaliauskas, who began holding Mass in various temporary premises.

In 1990 construction of the church began to a design by the architect H. K. Šilgalis. Already that summer, the Bishop of Kaišiadorys, Juozapas Matulaitis, blessed the cornerstone of the future church. After six years of intensive work, on 28 July 1996, the church was solemnly consecrated, with the Apostolic Nuncio to Lithuania, Archbishop Justo Mullor García, in attendance.

Although the church is modern and innovative, its design also incorporates traditional Christian symbols and meanings. On the outside, a semicircular arched portal with rectangular crosses symbolises the seventh century of Christianity in Lithuania. Inside, a cylindrical vault, supported by orderless columns and stylised triangular pendentives, gives the interior a sense of space and spirituality.

One of the most important elements of the church is the sculptures of "The Risen Christ" and "Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs", created by the renowned Lithuanian artist Stanislovas Kuzma. Also attracting particular attention are the Stations of the Cross, created by the artist Nijolė Vilutytė, which took as much as seven years of work. This work is regarded as one of the most significant pieces of contemporary Lithuanian sacred art.

Despite difficulties encountered, such as a storm in 1997 that destroyed two of the church's pylons, the church was successfully rebuilt and continues to adorn the skyline of the town of Elektrėnai. The church's uniqueness and beauty attract not only the faithful but also lovers of art and architecture.

This church is not only a place of religious observance but also a cultural centre, where sacred music concerts and penitential evenings take place. Elektrėnai Church of Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs vividly reflects the possibilities of contemporary Lithuanian sacred architecture and the synthesis of artistic and spiritual life.