About the Church
The Church of the Conversion of St Paul the Apostle in Vaidotai is one of the most beautiful and interesting churches in Vilnius district, set in a picturesque location on the Vokė river. The church serves not only as a sacred site but also as a historical and architectural monument, reflecting the culture and spirituality of various periods in Lithuania.
The church's history began as early as the 19th century, when in 1813 the parish priest of St Stephen's parish in Vilnius district built a chapel in the village of Vaidotai. This was the first step towards the emergence of the present church. Although the first chapel stood on the left bank of the Vokė, the present masonry church was built in 1910 by Hilarijus Lenskis and Vladimiras Lenskis, this time on the right bank, in Baltoji Vokė.
The church is in the Neo-Baroque style, meaning its architecture features details typical of the Baroque period, combined with modern elements. This style was very popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and its characteristics are visible both outside and inside. The church has a cross-shaped plan, is towerless, and ends in an apse at the rear, which lends grandeur to the whole structure. Inside it has three aisles, of the basilica type, covered with barrel vaults, with piers dividing the spaces and giving the building stability and beauty.
Particular attention should be paid to the church's bell tower, which is built of steel rods. In the churchyard there also stands a fence of wooden posts, which gives the grounds a sense of cosiness and traditional rural charm.
In 1921 the parish of Vokė was established, becoming an important centre for the local community. One of the parish's most notable clergymen was honorary canon Leopoldas Chomskis, who served from 1949 until his death in 1982. His work and efforts to maintain and nurture the church led to it being renovated in 1979, preserving its unique historical heritage.
Services in this church are held in Polish and Lithuanian, making it an important symbol of the coexistence and cooperation of the two national communities.
A visit to the Church of the Conversion of St Paul the Apostle in Vaidotai is like a journey through time, in which one can feel the pulse of Lithuania's history and culture.
The church's history began as early as the 19th century, when in 1813 the parish priest of St Stephen's parish in Vilnius district built a chapel in the village of Vaidotai. This was the first step towards the emergence of the present church. Although the first chapel stood on the left bank of the Vokė, the present masonry church was built in 1910 by Hilarijus Lenskis and Vladimiras Lenskis, this time on the right bank, in Baltoji Vokė.
The church is in the Neo-Baroque style, meaning its architecture features details typical of the Baroque period, combined with modern elements. This style was very popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and its characteristics are visible both outside and inside. The church has a cross-shaped plan, is towerless, and ends in an apse at the rear, which lends grandeur to the whole structure. Inside it has three aisles, of the basilica type, covered with barrel vaults, with piers dividing the spaces and giving the building stability and beauty.
Particular attention should be paid to the church's bell tower, which is built of steel rods. In the churchyard there also stands a fence of wooden posts, which gives the grounds a sense of cosiness and traditional rural charm.
In 1921 the parish of Vokė was established, becoming an important centre for the local community. One of the parish's most notable clergymen was honorary canon Leopoldas Chomskis, who served from 1949 until his death in 1982. His work and efforts to maintain and nurture the church led to it being renovated in 1979, preserving its unique historical heritage.
Services in this church are held in Polish and Lithuanian, making it an important symbol of the coexistence and cooperation of the two national communities.
A visit to the Church of the Conversion of St Paul the Apostle in Vaidotai is like a journey through time, in which one can feel the pulse of Lithuania's history and culture.