About the Church
The Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Gegužinė is an impressive and historic site well worth attention. Situated in the picturesque village of Gegužinė, beside the River Neris, this church combines several architectural styles and a long, rich history.
The construction of the church dates back to the 15th century, when Grigalius Stanislovaitis Astikas, a noble of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, together with his wife Aleksandra Svirskytė-Astikienė, received permission to build the first church. The first church was consecrated between 1494 and 1500 and stood at the confluence of the Neris and the Beržė. However, over time this church endured many trials – from burning down to various rebuildings.
Throughout its history the church of Gegužinė was rebuilt and reconstructed more than once. In 1655 it burned down during the Russian invasion, and afterwards temporary, shed-like churches were built. Until the middle of the 18th century there were even two parish churches here – one used for feast days, the other for daily services. However, both buildings gradually fell into disrepair, especially after the wars of 1812.
In the 19th century Father Matas Miksevičius, supported by local landowners, built the fourth church on the same site where the second church had previously stood. This masonry church served the parish until the early 20th century, but it too faced various difficulties and was constantly being repaired.
The present, fifth church of Gegužinė, construction of which began in 1909, is a true architectural gem. Its design was prepared by the renowned architect Vaclovas Michnevičius, and the church's walls were built of dressed stone. The First World War temporarily halted construction, but work resumed in 1928. The church was finally consecrated in 1932, although interior work continued until 1936. The interior was decorated by the Jakševičius artists, who created the altars.
The church has a Latin-cross plan with two towers and a three-sided apse. Inside there are three naves, and the churchyard wall is made of stone masonry. The old presbytery, built as far back as 1800, can be found on the bank of the Neris. It has survived despite the passage of time and various historical events.
Nor can the post-war period be left unmentioned, when the church became a place where local participants in the resistance would gather. One of them was parish priest Steponas Rudžionis, who was arrested and sentenced for taking part in the resistance.
Today the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Gegužinė is not only a religious centre but also an important cultural and historical site, recalling many episodes of Lithuanian history. Everyone who visits here can feel a deep connection with the past and admire the wonderful architecture, which tells so many stories.
The construction of the church dates back to the 15th century, when Grigalius Stanislovaitis Astikas, a noble of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, together with his wife Aleksandra Svirskytė-Astikienė, received permission to build the first church. The first church was consecrated between 1494 and 1500 and stood at the confluence of the Neris and the Beržė. However, over time this church endured many trials – from burning down to various rebuildings.
Throughout its history the church of Gegužinė was rebuilt and reconstructed more than once. In 1655 it burned down during the Russian invasion, and afterwards temporary, shed-like churches were built. Until the middle of the 18th century there were even two parish churches here – one used for feast days, the other for daily services. However, both buildings gradually fell into disrepair, especially after the wars of 1812.
In the 19th century Father Matas Miksevičius, supported by local landowners, built the fourth church on the same site where the second church had previously stood. This masonry church served the parish until the early 20th century, but it too faced various difficulties and was constantly being repaired.
The present, fifth church of Gegužinė, construction of which began in 1909, is a true architectural gem. Its design was prepared by the renowned architect Vaclovas Michnevičius, and the church's walls were built of dressed stone. The First World War temporarily halted construction, but work resumed in 1928. The church was finally consecrated in 1932, although interior work continued until 1936. The interior was decorated by the Jakševičius artists, who created the altars.
The church has a Latin-cross plan with two towers and a three-sided apse. Inside there are three naves, and the churchyard wall is made of stone masonry. The old presbytery, built as far back as 1800, can be found on the bank of the Neris. It has survived despite the passage of time and various historical events.
Nor can the post-war period be left unmentioned, when the church became a place where local participants in the resistance would gather. One of them was parish priest Steponas Rudžionis, who was arrested and sentenced for taking part in the resistance.
Today the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Gegužinė is not only a religious centre but also an important cultural and historical site, recalling many episodes of Lithuanian history. Everyone who visits here can feel a deep connection with the past and admire the wonderful architecture, which tells so many stories.