About the Church
Imagine a small town in Lithuania, at whose heart stands an ancient church that draws both local residents and visitors with its history and architecture. This is the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul at Žeimelis, built in 1826 of stone masonry and bearing features of Classicism.
The building of the Žeimelis church began with a noble gesture. Peteris Petrauskas, a Latvian Lutheran and owner of the Geručiai manor, built this church in honour of his Catholic wife. This act not only reflected his love but also showed how religion can unite people of different faiths. Peteris Petrauskas was later buried in the "Latvian cemetery" by the cemetery chapel.
The interior of the church is impressive. The ceiling of the three aisles is supported by eight pillars, and Classicist-style altars adorn the interior. On the high altar we see a carved figure of the Crucified Christ, and above it a painted image of the Apostle St Peter. Many details, such as the ornate door with its original lock and a single surviving bell, testify to the church's long and rich history.
The church also has an interesting organ history. Although its maker is unknown, it is thought that it may have been built by the Latvian master Christiens. The organ has Baroque features and a unique composition, found in only a few churches in Latvia. The organ was moved deeper into its niche at the start of the 20th century to allow more room for the choir. Despite the loss of some components, most of the pipes, mechanism and wind-distribution boxes remain authentic.
Over the course of its history the church became the centre of activity for many important figures. For example, the priest Jurgis Juškevičius was accused of supporting the insurgents in 1863 and imprisoned in Telšiai jail. The priests Stanislovas Kurliandskis and Tadas Radžius, who served at Žeimelis during the Second World War, helped save Jews and after their deaths were buried in the church's churchyard. It is also worth mentioning that around 1964–1965 the noted priest and poet Ričardas Mikutavičius worked in this parish.
The community's devotion and dedication to the church are clearly visible today. In the church's churchyard stands an ornate carved cross, erected around 1987, symbolising the continuity of life and faith.
The Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul at Žeimelis is not merely an architectural monument – it is a place where history, culture and the spirit of the community are intertwined.
The building of the Žeimelis church began with a noble gesture. Peteris Petrauskas, a Latvian Lutheran and owner of the Geručiai manor, built this church in honour of his Catholic wife. This act not only reflected his love but also showed how religion can unite people of different faiths. Peteris Petrauskas was later buried in the "Latvian cemetery" by the cemetery chapel.
The interior of the church is impressive. The ceiling of the three aisles is supported by eight pillars, and Classicist-style altars adorn the interior. On the high altar we see a carved figure of the Crucified Christ, and above it a painted image of the Apostle St Peter. Many details, such as the ornate door with its original lock and a single surviving bell, testify to the church's long and rich history.
The church also has an interesting organ history. Although its maker is unknown, it is thought that it may have been built by the Latvian master Christiens. The organ has Baroque features and a unique composition, found in only a few churches in Latvia. The organ was moved deeper into its niche at the start of the 20th century to allow more room for the choir. Despite the loss of some components, most of the pipes, mechanism and wind-distribution boxes remain authentic.
Over the course of its history the church became the centre of activity for many important figures. For example, the priest Jurgis Juškevičius was accused of supporting the insurgents in 1863 and imprisoned in Telšiai jail. The priests Stanislovas Kurliandskis and Tadas Radžius, who served at Žeimelis during the Second World War, helped save Jews and after their deaths were buried in the church's churchyard. It is also worth mentioning that around 1964–1965 the noted priest and poet Ričardas Mikutavičius worked in this parish.
The community's devotion and dedication to the church are clearly visible today. In the church's churchyard stands an ornate carved cross, erected around 1987, symbolising the continuity of life and faith.
The Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul at Žeimelis is not merely an architectural monument – it is a place where history, culture and the spirit of the community are intertwined.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Žeimelio Šv. apaštalų Petro ir Povilo bažnyčios dengtas prieangis ( gonkelis).