About the Church
The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus at Ėriškiai is a gem of wooden vernacular architecture, standing in the village of Ėriškiai, set back from the Panevėžys–Ramygala road in a picturesque spot by the Upytė stream. Built in 1899, the church reflects traditional Lithuanian spiritual culture in its modest beauty and simplicity.
The first chapel in the Ėriškiai cemetery was built as early as 1754. It served as a place visited by the priest from Ramygala during Lent to administer the sacraments to the local people. However, over the years this old chapel fell into disrepair. Kazimieras Vaitkus, one of the community's active members, applied to the authorities in 1889 for permission to build a new chapel. Only after almost a decade of waiting and many petitions was permission finally granted in 1898 to begin construction. The new chapel, and later the church, was built in 1899.
It is worth noting that the church was furnished with two side altars obtained from the church at Ramygala. This transfer of relics strengthened the ties between the two parishes. In addition, Kazimieras Vaitkus not only initiated the building of the church but also, in 1903, donated 20 desyatinas of land to it, securing its material base for future generations.
One of the most prominent priests of the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus at Ėriškiai was Jonas Balvočius, who served here from 1907 to 1914. Canon Balvočius not only cared for the pastoral life of the parish but was also an active Lithuanian public figure and writer. On his initiative a presbytery was built and a school established, which contributed significantly to the education and cultural development of the local community.
In later years the church was also carefully maintained and renewed. For example, in 1924 Mykolas Klikūnas donated money for a new high altar, and in 1938 the church roof was recovered with sheet metal, ensuring its durability. The interior was repainted in 1939, giving it fresh appeal and aesthetic value.
Architecturally, the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus at Ėriškiai has a rectangular plan with a small tower on the ridge. The floor area of the building measures 24 by 10 metres. Inside there are three altars, giving the church a particular atmosphere. The churchyard fence is of metal, ensuring the security and order of the grounds.
This small church, rich in history, is undoubtedly an important centre of the cultural and spiritual life of the village of Ėriškiai. Its building and continued upkeep show the faithfulness of the local people to their beliefs and culture.
The first chapel in the Ėriškiai cemetery was built as early as 1754. It served as a place visited by the priest from Ramygala during Lent to administer the sacraments to the local people. However, over the years this old chapel fell into disrepair. Kazimieras Vaitkus, one of the community's active members, applied to the authorities in 1889 for permission to build a new chapel. Only after almost a decade of waiting and many petitions was permission finally granted in 1898 to begin construction. The new chapel, and later the church, was built in 1899.
It is worth noting that the church was furnished with two side altars obtained from the church at Ramygala. This transfer of relics strengthened the ties between the two parishes. In addition, Kazimieras Vaitkus not only initiated the building of the church but also, in 1903, donated 20 desyatinas of land to it, securing its material base for future generations.
One of the most prominent priests of the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus at Ėriškiai was Jonas Balvočius, who served here from 1907 to 1914. Canon Balvočius not only cared for the pastoral life of the parish but was also an active Lithuanian public figure and writer. On his initiative a presbytery was built and a school established, which contributed significantly to the education and cultural development of the local community.
In later years the church was also carefully maintained and renewed. For example, in 1924 Mykolas Klikūnas donated money for a new high altar, and in 1938 the church roof was recovered with sheet metal, ensuring its durability. The interior was repainted in 1939, giving it fresh appeal and aesthetic value.
Architecturally, the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus at Ėriškiai has a rectangular plan with a small tower on the ridge. The floor area of the building measures 24 by 10 metres. Inside there are three altars, giving the church a particular atmosphere. The churchyard fence is of metal, ensuring the security and order of the grounds.
This small church, rich in history, is undoubtedly an important centre of the cultural and spiritual life of the village of Ėriškiai. Its building and continued upkeep show the faithfulness of the local people to their beliefs and culture.