About the Church
Would you like to immerse yourself in the century-old history of the village of Vosiūnai and learn about one of its most important architectural monuments – the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary? Standing on the bank of the Dysna river, this church is not only a place of worship but also a cultural hub in the Vosiūnai area.
It all began in 1918, when the priest Vaclovas Giedrys arrived in the area. He took on the task of building a church, which was first meant to be built at Kazėnai, 2 kilometres from its present site. Unfortunately, disagreements with the landowner brought the building work to a halt. A small building served as a temporary chapel, but the community still longed for a proper church.
The village of Vosiūnai showed great community spirit and generosity, setting aside 5 hectares of land for the church. The priest then serving there, Juozas Erčius, finally built the present church in 1921. Four years later, however, he was exiled to Lithuania for his active work on behalf of the Lithuanian cause. Despite this, the church went on serving the local community. After 1925, at the initiative of the parish priest Vincas Miškinis, the presbytery was also built.
The interwar period was no less interesting. In 1931 the Archbishop of Vilnius ordered that Mass be said in Polish every other Sunday, to meet the needs of the local population. At the same time various cultural societies were active, such as a branch of the Rytas society and a branch of the Society of St Casimir. These organisations contributed to the education and cultural development of the local community.
The church's architecture is also worth attention. The building is of basilica type, with low, broad forms and a small tower over the apse. Inside there are three naves, and the churchyard fence is made of metal mesh, lending the structure a touch of modernity and simplicity.
The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Vosiūnai is not only a house of prayer but also part of the local cultural heritage, with deep and varied historical roots. If you ever visit the area, be sure to see this church – it will certainly leave a lasting impression.
It all began in 1918, when the priest Vaclovas Giedrys arrived in the area. He took on the task of building a church, which was first meant to be built at Kazėnai, 2 kilometres from its present site. Unfortunately, disagreements with the landowner brought the building work to a halt. A small building served as a temporary chapel, but the community still longed for a proper church.
The village of Vosiūnai showed great community spirit and generosity, setting aside 5 hectares of land for the church. The priest then serving there, Juozas Erčius, finally built the present church in 1921. Four years later, however, he was exiled to Lithuania for his active work on behalf of the Lithuanian cause. Despite this, the church went on serving the local community. After 1925, at the initiative of the parish priest Vincas Miškinis, the presbytery was also built.
The interwar period was no less interesting. In 1931 the Archbishop of Vilnius ordered that Mass be said in Polish every other Sunday, to meet the needs of the local population. At the same time various cultural societies were active, such as a branch of the Rytas society and a branch of the Society of St Casimir. These organisations contributed to the education and cultural development of the local community.
The church's architecture is also worth attention. The building is of basilica type, with low, broad forms and a small tower over the apse. Inside there are three naves, and the churchyard fence is made of metal mesh, lending the structure a touch of modernity and simplicity.
The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Vosiūnai is not only a house of prayer but also part of the local cultural heritage, with deep and varied historical roots. If you ever visit the area, be sure to see this church – it will certainly leave a lasting impression.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Kompozicijoje – Vosiūnų Švč. Mergelės Marijos bažnyčia.
Signuotas akvarele averso apatinėje dalyje kairėje ir pieštuku revreso viršutinėje dalyje.
Kompozicija – Vosiūnų Švč. Mergelės Marijos bažnyčia.
Signuotas akvarele averso apatinėje dalyje kairėje ir pieštuku revreso viršutinėje dalyje kairėje.