About the Church
Lyduokiai's Church of St Michael the Archangel is a remarkable Baroque architectural monument, situated in the quiet and cosy settlement of Lyduokiai, just 12 kilometres from Ukmergė. Here time seems to stand still, and every corner of the church tells its own unique story.
The first masonry church in Lyduokiai was built as early as 1623, on the initiative of Henrikas Padlevskis. An almshouse then operated alongside the church, and in the 18th century a parish school was established there, where local children pursued their studies. The church complex kept growing – after 1782 a narthex was added to it.
In 1884, with funds from the manor owner Henrikas Voinickis and the parish, the church was considerably enlarged, gaining two imposing towers. Three years later, in 1887, the church was consecrated by Bishop Mečislovas Paliulionis. During the Second World War this shrine suffered considerable damage, but after the war it was carefully repaired. The long-serving sacristan Mykolas Vaskela, together with his son, restored the relief of St Michael the Archangel on the roof, which became an important symbol of the church.
In 1988 the interior of the church was decorated, giving it even more beauty and warmth. In 1999 a relief in memory of the former parish priest Jonas Burneika was unveiled and blessed in the church. Very soon after, in 2000, an oak cross created by the folk artist Remigijus Rudokas was erected in the churchyard to mark the Jubilee Year.
Lyduokiai's Church of St Michael the Archangel is renowned not only for its history but also for its artistic treasures. It holds four works of art listed in the register of cultural property, among them the paintings "The Supper at Emmaus" and "The Assumption of Mary" by an unknown 18th-century artist. Also to be seen here are a chasuble from the first half of the 19th century and a dalmatic from the 18th–19th centuries – both examples of applied art.
It is also interesting that the church holds an extraordinary relic – symbols of the Passion of Christ (a crown of thorns, a rod, reeds, nails), which the villager Antanas Juras brought on foot all the way from Jerusalem as far back as 1893.
The church's architecture is also worth attention: it is rectangular in plan, basilica-type, with three naves. Gravestones can be found in the churchyard, along with a chapel. Inside, an altar painted by G. Sliesoraitis in 1980 stands out, giving the space particular charm.
Lyduokiai's Church of St Michael the Archangel is not only a place of religious worship but also an important cultural heritage site, inviting visitors to discover deep historical roots and immerse themselves in the beauty of art and architecture.
The first masonry church in Lyduokiai was built as early as 1623, on the initiative of Henrikas Padlevskis. An almshouse then operated alongside the church, and in the 18th century a parish school was established there, where local children pursued their studies. The church complex kept growing – after 1782 a narthex was added to it.
In 1884, with funds from the manor owner Henrikas Voinickis and the parish, the church was considerably enlarged, gaining two imposing towers. Three years later, in 1887, the church was consecrated by Bishop Mečislovas Paliulionis. During the Second World War this shrine suffered considerable damage, but after the war it was carefully repaired. The long-serving sacristan Mykolas Vaskela, together with his son, restored the relief of St Michael the Archangel on the roof, which became an important symbol of the church.
In 1988 the interior of the church was decorated, giving it even more beauty and warmth. In 1999 a relief in memory of the former parish priest Jonas Burneika was unveiled and blessed in the church. Very soon after, in 2000, an oak cross created by the folk artist Remigijus Rudokas was erected in the churchyard to mark the Jubilee Year.
Lyduokiai's Church of St Michael the Archangel is renowned not only for its history but also for its artistic treasures. It holds four works of art listed in the register of cultural property, among them the paintings "The Supper at Emmaus" and "The Assumption of Mary" by an unknown 18th-century artist. Also to be seen here are a chasuble from the first half of the 19th century and a dalmatic from the 18th–19th centuries – both examples of applied art.
It is also interesting that the church holds an extraordinary relic – symbols of the Passion of Christ (a crown of thorns, a rod, reeds, nails), which the villager Antanas Juras brought on foot all the way from Jerusalem as far back as 1893.
The church's architecture is also worth attention: it is rectangular in plan, basilica-type, with three naves. Gravestones can be found in the churchyard, along with a chapel. Inside, an altar painted by G. Sliesoraitis in 1980 stands out, giving the space particular charm.
Lyduokiai's Church of St Michael the Archangel is not only a place of religious worship but also an important cultural heritage site, inviting visitors to discover deep historical roots and immerse themselves in the beauty of art and architecture.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Barokinių architektūros formų bažnyčia su cokoliniu aukštu, portiku ir dviem bokštais užfiksuota trijų ketvirčių rakursu.
Lyduokių Šv. arkangelo Mykolo bažnyčia. Klebono Toločkos (?) jubiliejus.