About the Church
The Church of Blessed George Matulaitis in Vilnius is a unique and significant sacred building in Vilnius, in the Viršuliškės district. This church not only reflects trends in modern architecture but also holds deep historical and spiritual significance for the local community.
The church's history began on 14 November 1988, when the Archbishop of Vilnius, Julijonas Steponavičius, established the new parish of Blessed George Matulaitis. The parish was created to serve the rapidly expanding districts of the city – Viršuliškės, Justiniškės, Pašilaičiai and part of Šeškinė. This was a period when Lithuania was taking its first steps towards restoring independence, and religious centres became gathering places of special significance.
On 16 August 1990, construction began on the parish house and chapel, and as early as 12 July 1991 the chapel of the parish house was consecrated. Construction of the main church also began that same year. Despite difficult times and challenges, the building work proceeded rapidly, and on 22 December 1996 the first Mass was offered in the new church. Almost a decade later, on 16 December 2005, the church's new altar was consecrated, symbolising the completion of this church and its readiness for long-term service.
The Church of Blessed George Matulaitis in Vilnius is known for its pastoral work, carried out in both Lithuanian and Polish, reflecting the parish's openness to different cultural groups and the needs of the community.
Any account of this church would be incomplete without mentioning the clergy who serve here. Up to 2023, several priests served the parish, among them the parish priest Fr Justinas Aleknavičius, as well as the resident priest Fr Kęstutis Dailydė, Fr Arūnas Mitkevičius, the curate Fr Stanislav Valiukevič, and the deacon Arūnas Kalpakovas. These clergy contribute to the life of the church and help the community grow spiritually.
This church is not only an architectural monument but also an active community centre, where people gather for prayer, events and fellowship. It is a place where the spirit of faith and community comes alive, and where everyone can find peace and strength.
The church's history began on 14 November 1988, when the Archbishop of Vilnius, Julijonas Steponavičius, established the new parish of Blessed George Matulaitis. The parish was created to serve the rapidly expanding districts of the city – Viršuliškės, Justiniškės, Pašilaičiai and part of Šeškinė. This was a period when Lithuania was taking its first steps towards restoring independence, and religious centres became gathering places of special significance.
On 16 August 1990, construction began on the parish house and chapel, and as early as 12 July 1991 the chapel of the parish house was consecrated. Construction of the main church also began that same year. Despite difficult times and challenges, the building work proceeded rapidly, and on 22 December 1996 the first Mass was offered in the new church. Almost a decade later, on 16 December 2005, the church's new altar was consecrated, symbolising the completion of this church and its readiness for long-term service.
The Church of Blessed George Matulaitis in Vilnius is known for its pastoral work, carried out in both Lithuanian and Polish, reflecting the parish's openness to different cultural groups and the needs of the community.
Any account of this church would be incomplete without mentioning the clergy who serve here. Up to 2023, several priests served the parish, among them the parish priest Fr Justinas Aleknavičius, as well as the resident priest Fr Kęstutis Dailydė, Fr Arūnas Mitkevičius, the curate Fr Stanislav Valiukevič, and the deacon Arūnas Kalpakovas. These clergy contribute to the life of the church and help the community grow spiritually.
This church is not only an architectural monument but also an active community centre, where people gather for prayer, events and fellowship. It is a place where the spirit of faith and community comes alive, and where everyone can find peace and strength.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Palaimintojo Jurgio Matulaičio parapijos koplyčios šventinimo iškilmės. Bažnytinė procesija.