About the Church
The Church of St John the Baptist in Seredžius is an impressive Catholic shrine, standing in the small town of Seredžius, Jurbarkas district, near the confluence of the Dubysa and the Nemunas. This church has a long and complicated history, full of dramatic events and the tireless devotion of the local community.
The first church on this site was built as early as 1634, when the voivode Mikalojus Pacas donated a plot of land and funds for the church and the parish school. The following year the voivode of Naugardukas, Mikalojus Sapiega, further supported the parish, providing funding and the necessary conditions for a teacher. Unfortunately, the church had to be rebuilt more than once because of various natural disasters – such as floods – and damage.
Over more than three decades, a temporary church was built and pulled down several times. A new church built in 1823 was washed away by a flood just six years later. In 1830 a temporary church with a single altar was erected again. Further repair works and improvements were seen to by local clergy and members of the community.
The vicar of Seredžius, Juozapas Rozga, became a prominent figure in the parish's history. In 1863 he read out the insurgents' proclamation from the pulpit, for which he was exiled for ten years to forced labour. This testifies to the strong resolve and courage among the local clergy.
The present masonry church was begun in 1897, but the project was completed only in 1913, as the whole process was hindered by various obstacles. The church's architect, Piotras Serbinovičius, chose the Neo-Renaissance style, characterised by a rectangular plan, a hall-church structure and a two-tower facade. Inside, the church has three aisles, which create an impression of spaciousness and grandeur.
The church was badly damaged during the First World War, when its towers were pulled down. However, they were rebuilt in 1931. During the Second World War the church also suffered, but was renovated while its original spatial and plan structure was preserved.
Today's Church of St John the Baptist in Seredžius is not only an important religious centre but also an impressive historical monument, testifying to the perseverance of the local community and the strength of its faith. The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Šilinės) feast held there draws many pilgrims and visitors every year, wishing to feel this special atmosphere and touch history.
The first church on this site was built as early as 1634, when the voivode Mikalojus Pacas donated a plot of land and funds for the church and the parish school. The following year the voivode of Naugardukas, Mikalojus Sapiega, further supported the parish, providing funding and the necessary conditions for a teacher. Unfortunately, the church had to be rebuilt more than once because of various natural disasters – such as floods – and damage.
Over more than three decades, a temporary church was built and pulled down several times. A new church built in 1823 was washed away by a flood just six years later. In 1830 a temporary church with a single altar was erected again. Further repair works and improvements were seen to by local clergy and members of the community.
The vicar of Seredžius, Juozapas Rozga, became a prominent figure in the parish's history. In 1863 he read out the insurgents' proclamation from the pulpit, for which he was exiled for ten years to forced labour. This testifies to the strong resolve and courage among the local clergy.
The present masonry church was begun in 1897, but the project was completed only in 1913, as the whole process was hindered by various obstacles. The church's architect, Piotras Serbinovičius, chose the Neo-Renaissance style, characterised by a rectangular plan, a hall-church structure and a two-tower facade. Inside, the church has three aisles, which create an impression of spaciousness and grandeur.
The church was badly damaged during the First World War, when its towers were pulled down. However, they were rebuilt in 1931. During the Second World War the church also suffered, but was renovated while its original spatial and plan structure was preserved.
Today's Church of St John the Baptist in Seredžius is not only an important religious centre but also an impressive historical monument, testifying to the perseverance of the local community and the strength of its faith. The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Šilinės) feast held there draws many pilgrims and visitors every year, wishing to feel this special atmosphere and touch history.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Seredžiaus Šv. Jono Krikštytojo bažnyčia. Fotografijos aprašymas ant pasporto: „Seredžius. Šv. Jono Krikštytojo bažnyčia 1655, 1829, 1913 m.“