About the Church
The Church of the Patronage of St Joseph in Pusnė is a unique wooden building standing in the village of Pusnė, in Molėtai district. The place holds not only religious but also historical significance for the local community, distinguished by its architecture and interesting history.
The church's history began in 1922, when the priest Justinas Jurkūnas, having returned from Russia, was appointed to Pusnė. At first services were held in private houses, but it soon became clear that the community needed its own church. Andrius and Jadvyga Daminskas donated a plot of land for the church, and the old wooden church of Kiauklai was bought for 1000 litas and later moved to Pusnė.
In 1924 Albertas Želnia-Želnys became parish priest here and contributed greatly to the church's development. Through his efforts the church was doubled in size, a tower was added, and in 1927 it was consecrated. Although the church resembles a traditional dwelling house in its form, it reflects the spirit of the time and the community's desire to have a religious centre of its own.
In 1939 V. Balčius was appointed the new parish priest, and on his initiative the wall enclosing the churchyard was built in masonry. Unfortunately, during the Second World War, in 1941, the parish priest V. Balčius was murdered together with his brother by retreating Soviet soldiers, which dealt a heavy blow to the local community.
The architectural solutions are also worth noting. Although the church resembles a dwelling house, it has a massive tower and a smaller turret. Inside are three altars, which give the church a special religious atmosphere. A wooden bell tower stands in the churchyard, completing the appearance of this sacred complex.
The Church of the Patronage of St Joseph in Pusnė is not only a house of prayer but also a witness to the times and events that shaped the local community. It speaks of the people's faith, their determination, and their ability to create and preserve their cultural heritage even under the harshest conditions.
The church's history began in 1922, when the priest Justinas Jurkūnas, having returned from Russia, was appointed to Pusnė. At first services were held in private houses, but it soon became clear that the community needed its own church. Andrius and Jadvyga Daminskas donated a plot of land for the church, and the old wooden church of Kiauklai was bought for 1000 litas and later moved to Pusnė.
In 1924 Albertas Želnia-Želnys became parish priest here and contributed greatly to the church's development. Through his efforts the church was doubled in size, a tower was added, and in 1927 it was consecrated. Although the church resembles a traditional dwelling house in its form, it reflects the spirit of the time and the community's desire to have a religious centre of its own.
In 1939 V. Balčius was appointed the new parish priest, and on his initiative the wall enclosing the churchyard was built in masonry. Unfortunately, during the Second World War, in 1941, the parish priest V. Balčius was murdered together with his brother by retreating Soviet soldiers, which dealt a heavy blow to the local community.
The architectural solutions are also worth noting. Although the church resembles a dwelling house, it has a massive tower and a smaller turret. Inside are three altars, which give the church a special religious atmosphere. A wooden bell tower stands in the churchyard, completing the appearance of this sacred complex.
The Church of the Patronage of St Joseph in Pusnė is not only a house of prayer but also a witness to the times and events that shaped the local community. It speaks of the people's faith, their determination, and their ability to create and preserve their cultural heritage even under the harshest conditions.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Pusnės Šv. Juozapo Globos bažnyčios krucifiksas.