About the Church
The Church of St Anthony of Padua in Krivonys is unique in its history and architecture, standing in the small village of Krivonys, which stretches between Čiobiškis and Palomenė. Although this wooden church is not large, it holds special significance for the local community.
Earlier in this area, near the manor of Samuleva, a chapel operated until 1796, but it fell into ruin in the 19th century. Religious life was revived here only in the early 20th century, when in 1933 Father Motiejus Cijūnaitis had the old wooden church of Kernavė moved to Krivonys. Construction of the new church was finally completed in 1936, three years after it began.
The church was designed by the engineer Alfredas Aleksandravičius, and its design was approved in April 1937. Despite its modest exterior, reminiscent of a traditional Lithuanian dwelling house, the church conceals a unique cultural treasure inside. The high altar is made up of mid-19th-century elements from the church of Gegužinė, and the sculpture of the Crucified is a fine attempt by a provincial craftsman to follow examples of Baroque style. A Neo-Baroque tabernacle can also be found here, which came to Krivonys from another, unknown church.
Attention was paid not only to religious details but also to the interior design. The church has unusually constructed pews and a bronze chandelier and wall lamps, which have preserved for the Kaunas region a fragment of the heritage of the destroyed Žasliai synagogue. Two side altars and a pulpit platform, made by local craftsmen, also lend the church its distinctiveness.
The church has witnessed the history not only of buildings but also of people. Parish priest Adolfas Stasevičius was arrested in 1946 for his activities and sentenced to imprisonment, dying only three years later in Lukiškės Prison. Later, in 1954, thanks to parish priest Vincentas Andrulevičius, the church was repaired together with the parishioners.
The Church of St Anthony of Padua in Krivonys is not only a house of prayer, but also a place where the history and culture of various periods intertwine. It is like a small time capsule, telling of people's efforts to preserve their faith and cultural heritage over many years.
Earlier in this area, near the manor of Samuleva, a chapel operated until 1796, but it fell into ruin in the 19th century. Religious life was revived here only in the early 20th century, when in 1933 Father Motiejus Cijūnaitis had the old wooden church of Kernavė moved to Krivonys. Construction of the new church was finally completed in 1936, three years after it began.
The church was designed by the engineer Alfredas Aleksandravičius, and its design was approved in April 1937. Despite its modest exterior, reminiscent of a traditional Lithuanian dwelling house, the church conceals a unique cultural treasure inside. The high altar is made up of mid-19th-century elements from the church of Gegužinė, and the sculpture of the Crucified is a fine attempt by a provincial craftsman to follow examples of Baroque style. A Neo-Baroque tabernacle can also be found here, which came to Krivonys from another, unknown church.
Attention was paid not only to religious details but also to the interior design. The church has unusually constructed pews and a bronze chandelier and wall lamps, which have preserved for the Kaunas region a fragment of the heritage of the destroyed Žasliai synagogue. Two side altars and a pulpit platform, made by local craftsmen, also lend the church its distinctiveness.
The church has witnessed the history not only of buildings but also of people. Parish priest Adolfas Stasevičius was arrested in 1946 for his activities and sentenced to imprisonment, dying only three years later in Lukiškės Prison. Later, in 1954, thanks to parish priest Vincentas Andrulevičius, the church was repaired together with the parishioners.
The Church of St Anthony of Padua in Krivonys is not only a house of prayer, but also a place where the history and culture of various periods intertwine. It is like a small time capsule, telling of people's efforts to preserve their faith and cultural heritage over many years.