About the Church
The Church of the Beheading of St John the Baptist in Stirniai is not only a house of prayer but also an important part of cultural and historical heritage, standing proudly in the village of Stirniai, in Molėtai district.
The church's history goes back to the 18th century, when two chapels already stood here. One belonged to the Jesuits, who had carried out their mission in the vicinity of Stirniai since the end of the 17th century. That chapel held services on the feasts of St Casimir and St Bartholomew. The other chapel, which belonged to the Žarnovskis family, became a focal point on the feasts of St Mary Magdalene and St Catherine. The Jesuits held considerable estates in the surrounding villages, and their legacy survived even after the order was suppressed in 1795.
A parish was established in 1922, and services were held in the old chapel. Unfortunately, the temporary wooden church built in 1931 proved not to be a lasting solution. In 1937–1940 the priests Jonas Kazlauskas and Jonas Daugėla, together with the parishioners, built the present stone church. Tragically, the parish priest J. Daugėla, who had helped build this church, was shot on 29 June 1941 by retreating Soviet soldiers.
Architecturally, the church is massive, of rectangular plan, with an ornate tower and apse. Inside are three naves, separated by slender pilasters, creating a sense of space and aesthetic beauty. The church grounds are enclosed by a wooden fence, and the churchyard contains a cemetery that bears witness to the lives and traditions of the people who lived here.
Quite recently, to mark the church's 75th anniversary, it was decorated with special adornments highlighting its importance to the community and the region.
The church of Stirniai bears witness not only to faith but also to periods of historical change. Various eras and experiences intertwine here, giving the place a unique character and significance for both local residents and visitors.
The church's history goes back to the 18th century, when two chapels already stood here. One belonged to the Jesuits, who had carried out their mission in the vicinity of Stirniai since the end of the 17th century. That chapel held services on the feasts of St Casimir and St Bartholomew. The other chapel, which belonged to the Žarnovskis family, became a focal point on the feasts of St Mary Magdalene and St Catherine. The Jesuits held considerable estates in the surrounding villages, and their legacy survived even after the order was suppressed in 1795.
A parish was established in 1922, and services were held in the old chapel. Unfortunately, the temporary wooden church built in 1931 proved not to be a lasting solution. In 1937–1940 the priests Jonas Kazlauskas and Jonas Daugėla, together with the parishioners, built the present stone church. Tragically, the parish priest J. Daugėla, who had helped build this church, was shot on 29 June 1941 by retreating Soviet soldiers.
Architecturally, the church is massive, of rectangular plan, with an ornate tower and apse. Inside are three naves, separated by slender pilasters, creating a sense of space and aesthetic beauty. The church grounds are enclosed by a wooden fence, and the churchyard contains a cemetery that bears witness to the lives and traditions of the people who lived here.
Quite recently, to mark the church's 75th anniversary, it was decorated with special adornments highlighting its importance to the community and the region.
The church of Stirniai bears witness not only to faith but also to periods of historical change. Various eras and experiences intertwine here, giving the place a unique character and significance for both local residents and visitors.