About the Church
The Varsėdžiai Church of St Roch, standing in the village of Varsėdžiai, is a true gem of folk architecture with Baroque features. This wooden church, built in 1817, undoubtedly catches the eye with its distinctive architecture and history. It lies in the Diocese of Telšiai, in the Šilalė Deanery, and the settlement itself is in Šilalė district.
The church's history goes back to the 17th century, when around 1570 the Kaltinėnai altaria was established in Varsėdžiai. The first church here was built in 1720, but in 1817 it was renovated and became a filial church of the Kaltinėnai parish. For a long time this place had no resident priest, until Bishop Mečislovas Paliulionis appointed the priest Povilas Žabas, the first to hold a permanent priesthood here. This priest was so loved by the people that after his death he was buried in the churchyard, and local residents prayed at his grave, believing him to be a saint.
An important event took place on 17 December 1936, when a parish was established in Varsėdžiai. The church was made famous by two great religious feasts – those of St Roch and of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which drew great numbers of worshippers.
Architecturally the church is distinguished by its rectangular plan and elegant small tower. The churchyard fence is wooden, and inside it stand a masonry chapel and a unique wooden bell tower. The bell tower has a square plan, narrowing towards the top, and holds a huge steel bell, donated by Petras Lingys, a native of the area who prospered in America and decided to support his homeland with this generous gesture.
The church's interior space is characterised by a single-nave structure, ending in a three-sided chancel. Here three wooden Baroque altars are very impressively arranged, believed to have been installed in the 18th century. This lends the church a special ancient charm and authenticity.
The Varsėdžiai Church of St Roch is undoubtedly a valuable architectural monument, whose history and architectural details astonish and charm every visitor.
The church's history goes back to the 17th century, when around 1570 the Kaltinėnai altaria was established in Varsėdžiai. The first church here was built in 1720, but in 1817 it was renovated and became a filial church of the Kaltinėnai parish. For a long time this place had no resident priest, until Bishop Mečislovas Paliulionis appointed the priest Povilas Žabas, the first to hold a permanent priesthood here. This priest was so loved by the people that after his death he was buried in the churchyard, and local residents prayed at his grave, believing him to be a saint.
An important event took place on 17 December 1936, when a parish was established in Varsėdžiai. The church was made famous by two great religious feasts – those of St Roch and of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which drew great numbers of worshippers.
Architecturally the church is distinguished by its rectangular plan and elegant small tower. The churchyard fence is wooden, and inside it stand a masonry chapel and a unique wooden bell tower. The bell tower has a square plan, narrowing towards the top, and holds a huge steel bell, donated by Petras Lingys, a native of the area who prospered in America and decided to support his homeland with this generous gesture.
The church's interior space is characterised by a single-nave structure, ending in a three-sided chancel. Here three wooden Baroque altars are very impressively arranged, believed to have been installed in the 18th century. This lends the church a special ancient charm and authenticity.
The Varsėdžiai Church of St Roch is undoubtedly a valuable architectural monument, whose history and architectural details astonish and charm every visitor.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Varsėdžių kaimo bažnyčia.