About the Church
The Church of St Anthony of Padua in Stakiai is a true cultural and historical treasure in the small village of Stakiai, standing for more than two centuries. The church, characterised by features of Classicist architecture, was built in 1821 and became an important religious and community centre.
Stakiai, formerly known as Pamituvys, built its first chapel as early as around 1750. Until the beginning of the 20th century, this was a small public chapel with two altars. In 1815 the parish priest of Veliuona applied to the bishop for permission to build a larger church and appoint a priest. This request was granted, and so the presbytery was built in 1817, and the rebuilt chapel became the Church of St Anthony of Padua in 1821.
The church's history has repeatedly been bound up with the life of the local community. For example, in the 19th century a parish school operated here, where not only religion but also reading and writing and other subjects were taught. Fr Motiejus Čiuzevičius, who took part in the 1863 uprising, was exiled to Siberia for his courage and self-sacrifice. Returning in 1872, he continued his priesthood in Courland.
Feliksas Sereika, another memorable figure, used to buy the banned Lithuanian press and distribute it to parishioners, thereby fostering national awareness. Thanks to him a new presbytery was built, and his successors continued to look after the church's interior and exterior.
In 1906–1907 the church's curate was the famous Lithuanian writer and public figure Vaižgantas. On his initiative, permission was obtained from the Bishop of Samogitia for young couples to be married in the church of Stakiai rather than having to travel to another parish. He also began giving Lithuanian religion lessons to local children and urged the community to give up alcohol, seeking to keep young people sober and put an end to the tradition of drunken brawls.
Throughout this period the church was repeatedly renovated and adapted to modern needs. During the tenure of parish priest Romualdas Macevičius, from 1956 to 1988, central heating was installed in the church, major repair works were carried out, and a new presbytery was built. The parish is renowned for the annual feast of St Anthony of Padua, which draws residents both from the local area and from surrounding towns.
Architecturally, the church has a rectangular plan with a portico, an apse and a small tower – typical elements of the Classicist style. Beside the church stands a tall, massive wooden bell tower, and in the corner of the churchyard stands a stone Lourdes grotto with a niche and a statue. Inside can be found an organ made by the craftsman A. Montvila, which gives church ceremonies a distinctive sound.
All these historical and architectural elements make up the unique character of the Church of St Anthony of Padua in Stakiai, which is undoubtedly worth a visit for anyone interested in the culture and history of Lithuania.
Stakiai, formerly known as Pamituvys, built its first chapel as early as around 1750. Until the beginning of the 20th century, this was a small public chapel with two altars. In 1815 the parish priest of Veliuona applied to the bishop for permission to build a larger church and appoint a priest. This request was granted, and so the presbytery was built in 1817, and the rebuilt chapel became the Church of St Anthony of Padua in 1821.
The church's history has repeatedly been bound up with the life of the local community. For example, in the 19th century a parish school operated here, where not only religion but also reading and writing and other subjects were taught. Fr Motiejus Čiuzevičius, who took part in the 1863 uprising, was exiled to Siberia for his courage and self-sacrifice. Returning in 1872, he continued his priesthood in Courland.
Feliksas Sereika, another memorable figure, used to buy the banned Lithuanian press and distribute it to parishioners, thereby fostering national awareness. Thanks to him a new presbytery was built, and his successors continued to look after the church's interior and exterior.
In 1906–1907 the church's curate was the famous Lithuanian writer and public figure Vaižgantas. On his initiative, permission was obtained from the Bishop of Samogitia for young couples to be married in the church of Stakiai rather than having to travel to another parish. He also began giving Lithuanian religion lessons to local children and urged the community to give up alcohol, seeking to keep young people sober and put an end to the tradition of drunken brawls.
Throughout this period the church was repeatedly renovated and adapted to modern needs. During the tenure of parish priest Romualdas Macevičius, from 1956 to 1988, central heating was installed in the church, major repair works were carried out, and a new presbytery was built. The parish is renowned for the annual feast of St Anthony of Padua, which draws residents both from the local area and from surrounding towns.
Architecturally, the church has a rectangular plan with a portico, an apse and a small tower – typical elements of the Classicist style. Beside the church stands a tall, massive wooden bell tower, and in the corner of the churchyard stands a stone Lourdes grotto with a niche and a statue. Inside can be found an organ made by the craftsman A. Montvila, which gives church ceremonies a distinctive sound.
All these historical and architectural elements make up the unique character of the Church of St Anthony of Padua in Stakiai, which is undoubtedly worth a visit for anyone interested in the culture and history of Lithuania.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Kompozicijoje – Stakių Šv. Antano Paduviečio bažnyčia.
Signuotas averso apatinėje dalyje kairėje.
Nuotraukoje Stakių šv. Antano Paduvičio bažnytėlė, kurioje 1906.03-1906.12 kunigavo Vaižgantas.
Juozas Tumas-Vaižgantas (1869 m. rugsėjo 20 d. Maleišiuose, Svėdasų valsčius – 1933 m. balandžio 29 d. Kaune) – Lietuvos rašytojas, spaudos darbuotojas, literatūros istorikas, kritikas, visuomenės veikėjas, pedagogas, kunigas.