Lithuanianism and national characteristics in twentieth century sacral architecture

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Sakralinė architektūra; Nacionalinis charakteris; Sacral architecture; National character.

ENThe history of the Lithuanian nation is rich in events and epochs which helped to formulate its particular consciousness and identity. It is quite often that, as written in the National Anthem by Vincas Kudirka, we tend to draw our strength from past successes and from the depths of tradition. It is a common practice even at the present time to search for a Lithuanian national type of characteristics from the deep historical perspective of the Grand Duchy or in the still living memory of the witnesses from the interwar Lithuanian period. However, in these contemplative historical musings, religiosity or the religious legacy is not noticed enough for its effect in the formation of Lithuanian national identity. If we were to take a broader view of our nation's historic evolution, we would undoubtedly note the connection between statehood and the status of the expression of religious thought, when the restored Lithuanian state marched together with the strong positions of the Catholic Church in the lives of Lithuanian citizens and vice versa. From this, we could draw the conclusion that at all times, for Lithuanians, the moral authority of the Church was equated with the country's moral and national values. [Extract, p. 37]