About the Church
The Church of St Victor in Kalnujai is a church in the village of Kalnujai, in Raseiniai district, with an interesting and at times dramatic history. Let us begin at the beginning.
The first wooden chapel in Kalnujai was built as early as 1801. A few decades later, in 1815–1818, a stone-built church rose on the northern edge of the village and became a branch of the Raseiniai parish. This was a time when Lithuania was still trying to recover from the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars and sought strength in its faith and community life.
In 1920 the Kalnujai parish belonged to Raseiniai Deanery, which at that time took a very active part in the local cultural and spiritual life. But the greatest trials awaited during the Second World War. In August 1944, amid fierce fighting between the Red Army and German forces, the church was completely destroyed. The Germans, entrenched in the church, became a target for shelling, and the church was reduced to ruins.
Despite the hardships of war, a new wooden church was built in 1946, actually fitted out by converting a dwelling house. This modest but welcoming church went through many changes. It was renovated in 2007–2008, and on 12 August 2018 its 200th anniversary was solemnly marked.
Architecturally, the present Church of St Victor in Kalnujai is single-naved, with one altar, by which hangs the bell of the old church. The church's interior is marked by simplicity and calm, and its roof is adorned with ornamental crosses. The churchyard is open, with a carved wooden cross and a bell tower for the convenience of pilgrims.
Interestingly, the ruins of the old stone church were conserved in 2010. Conservation work was carried out on the fragments, atmospheric night-time lighting was installed, and an information board was put up with references to the burial places of notable people. Thanks to renovated steps, it is now possible to safely visit these historic ruins.
In addition, during the conservation work, Second World War weapons, soldiers' remains and fragments of church applied art were found. These finds have been documented and put on display, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the local history.
The Church of St Victor in Kalnujai is not only an important religious site but also a living history lesson, telling of the local community's endurance and faith in difficult times.
The first wooden chapel in Kalnujai was built as early as 1801. A few decades later, in 1815–1818, a stone-built church rose on the northern edge of the village and became a branch of the Raseiniai parish. This was a time when Lithuania was still trying to recover from the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars and sought strength in its faith and community life.
In 1920 the Kalnujai parish belonged to Raseiniai Deanery, which at that time took a very active part in the local cultural and spiritual life. But the greatest trials awaited during the Second World War. In August 1944, amid fierce fighting between the Red Army and German forces, the church was completely destroyed. The Germans, entrenched in the church, became a target for shelling, and the church was reduced to ruins.
Despite the hardships of war, a new wooden church was built in 1946, actually fitted out by converting a dwelling house. This modest but welcoming church went through many changes. It was renovated in 2007–2008, and on 12 August 2018 its 200th anniversary was solemnly marked.
Architecturally, the present Church of St Victor in Kalnujai is single-naved, with one altar, by which hangs the bell of the old church. The church's interior is marked by simplicity and calm, and its roof is adorned with ornamental crosses. The churchyard is open, with a carved wooden cross and a bell tower for the convenience of pilgrims.
Interestingly, the ruins of the old stone church were conserved in 2010. Conservation work was carried out on the fragments, atmospheric night-time lighting was installed, and an information board was put up with references to the burial places of notable people. Thanks to renovated steps, it is now possible to safely visit these historic ruins.
In addition, during the conservation work, Second World War weapons, soldiers' remains and fragments of church applied art were found. These finds have been documented and put on display, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the local history.
The Church of St Victor in Kalnujai is not only an important religious site but also a living history lesson, telling of the local community's endurance and faith in difficult times.