About the Church
The Church of St James the Apostle in Žiežmariai is an impressive shrine in the Gothic Revival style, standing in the small town of Žiežmariai, on the right bank of the River Strėva. This church stands out for its architecture and rich history, which is well worth recounting.
The first church in Žiežmariai was built as far back as the early 15th century. In 1502 it was granted three households in the town, plots of land, an inn, and permission was also given to fell timber for the construction of a presbytery. Later, in 1511 or 1512, the endowment was increased and it became obligatory to maintain a priest and a teacher who could speak Lithuanian. Unfortunately, during the Reformation the church passed to the Protestants and its lands were annexed to the manor of the Radvila family.
The church's history was marked by numerous fires and rebuildings. For instance, the first fire is recorded in 1621, after which the church was rebuilt on a different site. However, in 1655 it burned down again. Despite all these misfortunes, the parish registers have survived from 1665, showing the continuous religious life in Žiežmariai.
In 1672 a new wooden church was built, and in the 18th century several religious confraternities operated here, founded on the initiative of local benefactors. Among them may be noted the chantry of Mikalojus and Ona Ivaškevičius (1531) and the chantry of Kazimieras Pocius (1719). Having suffered from the Swedish army's attack in 1702, the church was repaired in 1707.
In the late 19th century the Catholic community of our region underwent important changes: parish priest Eustachijus Jeleniauskas, although he disregarded the Lithuanian language, saw to the rebuilding of the church and the installation of altars. In 1909 the design for a new masonry church was approved, and construction began in 1914, but was halted because of the war and other difficulties. Only in 1922–1924, thanks to parish priest Juozas Balčiūnas and prelate Bernardas Sužiedėlis, was construction resumed, and the faithful were already able to pray in the new church in 1924.
Interestingly, the church was designed with two towers, but funds were sufficient for only one tower, which was not completed until 1929. The Lithuanian language was restored to the church's liturgy in the late 19th century by Father Stasys Šlamas, who also actively distributed the Lithuanian press.
The Gothic Revival church, designed by the architect Vaclovas Michnevičius, has a cruciform plan and is ornate and majestic. Its churchyard wall is built of stone masonry, which further strengthens the architectural ensemble.
The Church of St James the Apostle in Žiežmariai is undoubtedly an important religious and cultural monument, symbolising the tenacious spirit and faith of the local community.
The first church in Žiežmariai was built as far back as the early 15th century. In 1502 it was granted three households in the town, plots of land, an inn, and permission was also given to fell timber for the construction of a presbytery. Later, in 1511 or 1512, the endowment was increased and it became obligatory to maintain a priest and a teacher who could speak Lithuanian. Unfortunately, during the Reformation the church passed to the Protestants and its lands were annexed to the manor of the Radvila family.
The church's history was marked by numerous fires and rebuildings. For instance, the first fire is recorded in 1621, after which the church was rebuilt on a different site. However, in 1655 it burned down again. Despite all these misfortunes, the parish registers have survived from 1665, showing the continuous religious life in Žiežmariai.
In 1672 a new wooden church was built, and in the 18th century several religious confraternities operated here, founded on the initiative of local benefactors. Among them may be noted the chantry of Mikalojus and Ona Ivaškevičius (1531) and the chantry of Kazimieras Pocius (1719). Having suffered from the Swedish army's attack in 1702, the church was repaired in 1707.
In the late 19th century the Catholic community of our region underwent important changes: parish priest Eustachijus Jeleniauskas, although he disregarded the Lithuanian language, saw to the rebuilding of the church and the installation of altars. In 1909 the design for a new masonry church was approved, and construction began in 1914, but was halted because of the war and other difficulties. Only in 1922–1924, thanks to parish priest Juozas Balčiūnas and prelate Bernardas Sužiedėlis, was construction resumed, and the faithful were already able to pray in the new church in 1924.
Interestingly, the church was designed with two towers, but funds were sufficient for only one tower, which was not completed until 1929. The Lithuanian language was restored to the church's liturgy in the late 19th century by Father Stasys Šlamas, who also actively distributed the Lithuanian press.
The Gothic Revival church, designed by the architect Vaclovas Michnevičius, has a cruciform plan and is ornate and majestic. Its churchyard wall is built of stone masonry, which further strengthens the architectural ensemble.
The Church of St James the Apostle in Žiežmariai is undoubtedly an important religious and cultural monument, symbolising the tenacious spirit and faith of the local community.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Žiežmarių (dab. Kaišiadorių raj.) Šv. apaštalo Jokūbo bažnyčia (pastatyta XX a. 3 deš.) bei 1932 m. pastatytas Laisvės paminklas su angelo statula.