About the Church
The Church of St Anthony of Padua at Lėnas is a true gem in the Ukmergė district, in the village of Lėnas. Turning towards the eastern shore of the lake, one sees this sacred building standing amid peace and nature, right by the Ramygala–Taujėnai road.
The church's history began in 1919, when Prince Konstantinas Radvila, owner of the Taujėnai manor, provided timber for the construction of the future church. This was a significant contribution, without which the later course of events would be hard to imagine. A temporary wooden chapel was built in 1921, and soon afterwards work began on the presbytery and other parish farm buildings.
An important stage began in 1923–1924, when a stone masonry church was built on the initiative of priests Jurgis Kazakevičius and Jonas Laugalys. This church cannot easily be assigned to a single architectural style, but its distinctiveness lies not only in its exterior but also in its history. The construction work proceeded gradually: in 1925, through the efforts of the priest Jonas Laugalys, it was rendered on the outside, in 1927 a wooden ceiling was installed, and in 1928 other important works were carried out.
The support of President Antanas Smetona deserves particular attention — with his funds the high altar was installed, with a painting of St Anthony by the artist Burba. The Bishop of Panevėžys, Kazimieras Paltarokas, donated a monstrance and a chalice to the church, and Apolonija Doračiūnienė gave 1,000 litas towards a bell. Support on this scale proved decisive for the church's completion.
In 1935 the church grew further still – with a grant from the Lithuanian government, a tall masonry tower was added to it. Unfortunately, the Second World War did not spare this sacred building; in 1944 the church was badly damaged, but after the war it was successfully repaired.
The church's architectural features are also of interest. The building has a rectangular plan, with a lower apse and a single small tower. Inside there are three naves, giving the interior a sense of space and light. The churchyard fence is made of stone and brick masonry with a metal section.
The Church of St Anthony of Padua at Lėnas is undoubtedly a place where history, culture and faith intertwine. This small church reflects the spirituality, efforts and sense of community of the people of its time. A visit here reveals not only the harmony of its architectural beauty but also a deeply rooted local spirit.
The church's history began in 1919, when Prince Konstantinas Radvila, owner of the Taujėnai manor, provided timber for the construction of the future church. This was a significant contribution, without which the later course of events would be hard to imagine. A temporary wooden chapel was built in 1921, and soon afterwards work began on the presbytery and other parish farm buildings.
An important stage began in 1923–1924, when a stone masonry church was built on the initiative of priests Jurgis Kazakevičius and Jonas Laugalys. This church cannot easily be assigned to a single architectural style, but its distinctiveness lies not only in its exterior but also in its history. The construction work proceeded gradually: in 1925, through the efforts of the priest Jonas Laugalys, it was rendered on the outside, in 1927 a wooden ceiling was installed, and in 1928 other important works were carried out.
The support of President Antanas Smetona deserves particular attention — with his funds the high altar was installed, with a painting of St Anthony by the artist Burba. The Bishop of Panevėžys, Kazimieras Paltarokas, donated a monstrance and a chalice to the church, and Apolonija Doračiūnienė gave 1,000 litas towards a bell. Support on this scale proved decisive for the church's completion.
In 1935 the church grew further still – with a grant from the Lithuanian government, a tall masonry tower was added to it. Unfortunately, the Second World War did not spare this sacred building; in 1944 the church was badly damaged, but after the war it was successfully repaired.
The church's architectural features are also of interest. The building has a rectangular plan, with a lower apse and a single small tower. Inside there are three naves, giving the interior a sense of space and light. The churchyard fence is made of stone and brick masonry with a metal section.
The Church of St Anthony of Padua at Lėnas is undoubtedly a place where history, culture and faith intertwine. This small church reflects the spirituality, efforts and sense of community of the people of its time. A visit here reveals not only the harmony of its architectural beauty but also a deeply rooted local spirit.