About the Church
The Church of the Transfiguration of Christ in Meteliai stands in the village of Meteliai, on the picturesque western shore of Lake Metelys, Lazdijai district. This place charms with the harmony of its natural and sacred heritage.
The first church was founded in 1619 by Povilas Sapiega, who endowed the parish with lands of the Meteliai manor. In 1655 the wooden church was destroyed by Russian troops; a new wooden church was built in 1711, but it was burnt down by lightning on 12 August 1807. The present masonry church was built in 1819–1822 through the efforts of Father Ignas Žibanavičius and was consecrated in 1825 by Father Augustinas Polikarpas Marcejevskis.
In 1885 towers were added and the foundations were strengthened. The plastered masonry church is Classicist, with features of Neo-Baroque, with two towers and a narrower apse. In 1909 an organ built by the craftsman J. Garalevičius was installed in it.
The first church was founded in 1619 by Povilas Sapiega, who endowed the parish with lands of the Meteliai manor. In 1655 the wooden church was destroyed by Russian troops; a new wooden church was built in 1711, but it was burnt down by lightning on 12 August 1807. The present masonry church was built in 1819–1822 through the efforts of Father Ignas Žibanavičius and was consecrated in 1825 by Father Augustinas Polikarpas Marcejevskis.
In 1885 towers were added and the foundations were strengthened. The plastered masonry church is Classicist, with features of Neo-Baroque, with two towers and a narrower apse. In 1909 an organ built by the craftsman J. Garalevičius was installed in it.