About the Church
The Požerė Church of the Transfiguration of Christ is a unique example of wooden architecture, standing in the village of Požerė, near Lake Paršežeris. This church has a rich history and an interesting past, well worth learning about.
The church's origins go back to 1771, when the manor owner P. Zaleskis built a wooden church, which became a filial church of the parish of Laukuva. This place was distinctive not only for its architectural beauty but also for the statue of the Transfiguration of Christ, regarded as miraculous, which was brought around 1800 from the crumbling chapel of Ivoniškis manor. The faithful believed that this statue possessed particular powers.
Over time the church underwent a good many changes. In 1868 it was renovated and enlarged with the addition of a sacristy. In later years, in 1905–1906, the church was further remodelled: its front was extended, and a tower was added, giving the building even greater grandeur.
Architecturally the church has a rectangular plan, a single tower, and an apse. Four altars are set up inside, which enliven the interior and lend it a particular religious beauty. The church's churchyard is enclosed by a stone wall, within which rest well-known priests of this region – Prelate Antanas Skinderis and the parish priest of Požerė, Anicetas Kerpauskas. These clergymen left a marked impression on the local community and were held in high regard for their work and dedication.
Beside the church stand a bell tower and a cross, erected to mark the 600th anniversary of the Christianisation of Samogitia. This recalls an important historical date and the region's significance in the development of Christianity in Lithuania.
The Požerė Church of the Transfiguration of Christ is not only a centre of religious attraction but also a cultural heritage site well worth visiting to sense the spirit of former times and learn more about the local history. Its ancient walls hold many secrets and stories, waiting to be discovered by new visitors.
The church's origins go back to 1771, when the manor owner P. Zaleskis built a wooden church, which became a filial church of the parish of Laukuva. This place was distinctive not only for its architectural beauty but also for the statue of the Transfiguration of Christ, regarded as miraculous, which was brought around 1800 from the crumbling chapel of Ivoniškis manor. The faithful believed that this statue possessed particular powers.
Over time the church underwent a good many changes. In 1868 it was renovated and enlarged with the addition of a sacristy. In later years, in 1905–1906, the church was further remodelled: its front was extended, and a tower was added, giving the building even greater grandeur.
Architecturally the church has a rectangular plan, a single tower, and an apse. Four altars are set up inside, which enliven the interior and lend it a particular religious beauty. The church's churchyard is enclosed by a stone wall, within which rest well-known priests of this region – Prelate Antanas Skinderis and the parish priest of Požerė, Anicetas Kerpauskas. These clergymen left a marked impression on the local community and were held in high regard for their work and dedication.
Beside the church stand a bell tower and a cross, erected to mark the 600th anniversary of the Christianisation of Samogitia. This recalls an important historical date and the region's significance in the development of Christianity in Lithuania.
The Požerė Church of the Transfiguration of Christ is not only a centre of religious attraction but also a cultural heritage site well worth visiting to sense the spirit of former times and learn more about the local history. Its ancient walls hold many secrets and stories, waiting to be discovered by new visitors.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Požerės Kristaus Atsimainymo bažnyčia.
Signuotas akvarele averso apatinėje dalyje dešinėje, pieštuku reverso viršutinėje dalyje kairėje.
Požerės Kristaus Atsimainymo bažnyčia.
Signuotas akvarele averso apatinėje dalyje kairėje, pieštuku reverso viršutinėje dalyje kairėje.