About the Church
The church at Suginčiai is a true gem of Molėtai district. It is not only a place of worship but also an important historical monument whose architecture and rich history attract both local residents and tourists.
The Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross standing in Suginčiai today was built in 1910. It is in the Historicist style with Neo-Baroque elements, its construction expressing the architectural tendencies of the period. The church has a Latin-cross plan, with a three-sided apse and two sacristies in the corners of the crossing, while an impressive tower rises at its centre, flanked by two smaller turrets. “It is as if we were looking at an old engraving” is how first impressions of the church are often described.
Even before the present church was built, several chapels had stood in Suginčiai. In the 16th–17th centuries chapels operated here, served by the Jesuits of Stirniai or by the parish priest of Molėtai. According to sources, the first cemetery chapel was built in the second half of the 17th century. It was the work of Koziela, and from as early as 1695 children were baptised and couples married here.
In the late 19th century, the priest Juozas Lideikis lived and worked in Suginčiai — a contributor to the banned Lithuanian press and a writer of fables. His life and work reflect the difficult history of Lithuania at the time, when the struggle was for the preservation of language and culture.
Construction of the new church began in 1909 under the direction of the priest Antanas Ragažinskas. It was a demanding project, but the community's support allowed it to be completed successfully within a year. The church was decorated in 1935–1936 on the initiative of the parish priest Adolfas Bielskis, and repaired in 1954 through the efforts of the priest Zigmas Gustainis.
A wooden bell tower stands in the churchyard, and the surrounding wall is of stone masonry with an arched gate. These architectural elements give the church a special atmosphere and underline its historical significance.
One of the interesting features of the church is its unique organ. It was built in the early 20th century by the renowned organ builder Martynas Masalskis. The organ was installed in 1912 and is notable for its mechanical action and decorative pipes. Its case is eclectic in style, and its sound still fills the church during services and concerts.
The Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross in Suginčiai is not only a house of prayer but also a place where the history of Lithuania lives on. Every visitor here can immerse themselves in the world of the past, sense the spirit of centuries, and admire its authentic architecture.
The Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross standing in Suginčiai today was built in 1910. It is in the Historicist style with Neo-Baroque elements, its construction expressing the architectural tendencies of the period. The church has a Latin-cross plan, with a three-sided apse and two sacristies in the corners of the crossing, while an impressive tower rises at its centre, flanked by two smaller turrets. “It is as if we were looking at an old engraving” is how first impressions of the church are often described.
Even before the present church was built, several chapels had stood in Suginčiai. In the 16th–17th centuries chapels operated here, served by the Jesuits of Stirniai or by the parish priest of Molėtai. According to sources, the first cemetery chapel was built in the second half of the 17th century. It was the work of Koziela, and from as early as 1695 children were baptised and couples married here.
In the late 19th century, the priest Juozas Lideikis lived and worked in Suginčiai — a contributor to the banned Lithuanian press and a writer of fables. His life and work reflect the difficult history of Lithuania at the time, when the struggle was for the preservation of language and culture.
Construction of the new church began in 1909 under the direction of the priest Antanas Ragažinskas. It was a demanding project, but the community's support allowed it to be completed successfully within a year. The church was decorated in 1935–1936 on the initiative of the parish priest Adolfas Bielskis, and repaired in 1954 through the efforts of the priest Zigmas Gustainis.
A wooden bell tower stands in the churchyard, and the surrounding wall is of stone masonry with an arched gate. These architectural elements give the church a special atmosphere and underline its historical significance.
One of the interesting features of the church is its unique organ. It was built in the early 20th century by the renowned organ builder Martynas Masalskis. The organ was installed in 1912 and is notable for its mechanical action and decorative pipes. Its case is eclectic in style, and its sound still fills the church during services and concerts.
The Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross in Suginčiai is not only a house of prayer but also a place where the history of Lithuania lives on. Every visitor here can immerse themselves in the world of the past, sense the spirit of centuries, and admire its authentic architecture.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Medinė bažnyčia ir varpinė, užfiksuotos trijų ketvirčių rakursu nuo laukymės pusės, kartu su mūriniais šventoriaus vartais.