Conservative opposition lawmakers in Lithuania have introduced a bill targeting the local diocese of the Moscow Patriarchate. The proposal aims to revoke traditional status for religious groups linked to sanctioned states, citing national security concerns. It would designate the Lithuanian Exarchate of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople as the sole recognized Orthodox body, transferring cathedrals and churches to its control. MP Audronius Ažubalis argues this prevents Kremlin influence. Bishop Ambrosius of the Vilnius diocese denies security risks, stating his clergy oppose the Ukraine war. He warns the measure could cause social division and conflict.
Lithuanian lawmakers propose laws to limit Russian influence on the Orthodox Church, citing security risks. However, Justice Deputy Minister Barbara Aliaševičienė warns the measures may violate the Constitution, particularly regarding property rights. She argues the current threat level does not justify such broad sanctions. Legal experts also caution against creating laws for specific cases, noting that existing procedures should address violations. The initiative aims to transfer church buildings and define traditional religious communities, but critics say it lacks constitutional basis and proper legal process.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Guillermo Pérez on UnsplashPersecuted church
Former Lithuanian priest Tadas Švedavičius partially admitted guilt during a trial at the Vilnius Regional Court on Thursday, according to prosecutor Egidijus Motiejūnas. He declined to give testimony at this stage. Švedavičius faces 34 charges involving child sexual abuse, pornography, and involving minors in drinking. The victims, now adults, participated remotely. The trial was delayed to allow a new lawyer to review the case. Additionally, the Vatican has removed him from the clerical state, though criminal proceedings continue. The case remains closed to the public.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Pujalin on UnsplashPersecuted church
A prosecutor plans to read the formal indictment in the Vilnius Regional Court on Thursday regarding former priest Tadas Švedavičius. The case involves sexual crimes against children. Švedavičius arrived at the court avoiding media attention, repeatedly saying sorry. The trial will be held in closed session with victims participating remotely. The Vilnius Archdiocese announced that the Pope has removed him from the clerical state, though this does not stop the criminal proceedings. The case involves 11 victims. The trial was previously delayed because the defendant hired a new lawyer who needed time to review the case files.
The Vilnius District Council in Lithuania voted again to remove a proposal to rename streets honoring Cardinal Henryk Gulbinowicz from its agenda. The initiative, supported by 16 council members, was blocked by the LLRA-KŠS faction. Councilor Danielius Ilkevičius criticized the decision, arguing it protects individuals accused of child sexual abuse. Conversely, councilor Renata Sobieska stated the faction does not defend pedophilia but disputes the evidence. The Vatican sanctioned Gulbinowicz in 2020 for sexual exploitation of minors and covering up crimes. Despite this, he remains an honorary citizen of the district.
The Vatican has granted a request from Tadas Švedavičius to be released from the clerical state, the Vilnius Archdiocese announced. This decision strips him of his priestly status and authority to perform sacraments, though it does not halt ongoing criminal proceedings. Švedavičius faces charges related to child sexual abuse and pornography spanning 23 years. He voluntarily sought dismissal and promised compensation to victims. The Archdiocese emphasized its commitment to child protection and urged reporting of abuse to authorities.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius stated that he has not received proposals from institutions, including the State Security Department, on how to curb potential Kremlin influence over the Orthodox Church. However, he expressed openness to discussions aimed at preventing soft power and brainwashing. Intelligence reports indicate the church supports Russian regime narratives, despite public condemnations of the war in Ukraine by church leadership. Meanwhile, Conservative MPs Audronius Ažubalis and Arvydas Anušauskas have registered legislative amendments to transfer control of six religious sites from the Moscow Patriarchate to the Ecumenical Patriarchate's exarchate.
Lithuanian lawmakers Audronius Ažubalis and Arvydas Anušauskas have registered bill amendments to restrict the influence of hostile states through religious institutions. The proposals aim to clarify state recognition conditions for religious communities and address property disputes involving historic Orthodox and Sunni Muslim sites. According to the parliamentarians, the changes seek to reduce the Moscow Patriarchate's impact, citing a 2026 State Security Department report on national security risks. The legislation would transfer specific church buildings to the Ecumenical Patriarchate's Lithuanian Exarchate and mosques to the Muftiate. The measures are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.
Lithuanian Justice Minister Rita Tamašunienė stated that her ministry is collaborating with other institutions to find legal solutions for threats arising from religious communities. She noted that while the church is separated from the state, regulations are limited. The government met with the Security Department to address risks linked to the Orthodox Church and the Muslim Muftiate. Intelligence reports suggest the Orthodox Church supports Russian ideological narratives. The minister highlighted that the Lithuanian Orthodox Archbishopric has stopped prayers for the Moscow Patriarch. Meanwhile, Estonia recently passed laws banning religious groups subordinate to foreign leaders deemed a security risk.
Faina Kukliansky, president of the Lithuanian Jewish Community, says antisemitism causes significant concern in Lithuania. She reports three threats to bomb a synagogue and kill Jews. The community lacks official security protocols and relies on volunteers. Kukliansky urges stronger preventive measures, noting that other European nations provide armed police protection. She highlights ongoing cases of vandalism and praises Vilnius prosecutor Justas Lauciaus for his support. Kukliansky also commends Lithuania’s measured response to the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.
Amnesty International reports that Belarusian authorities are intensifying a campaign against the European Humanities University (EHU) in Vilnius, Lithuania. Marie Struthers states that officials are now targeting students abroad, their relatives, and associates within Belarus. Between June 2 and 4, 2026, security forces conducted over 60 searches and interrogations. The Belarusian Human Rights Centre Viasna identified at least 175 affected individuals. Authorities have designated the EHU as an extremist organization and are using threats of criminal prosecution to pressure families to force students to withdraw or return home. This expansion aims to suppress dissent beyond national borders.
To mark the tenth anniversary of the Camino Lituano pilgrimage route, organizers plan to publish a book. Marius Minkevičius, a board member, stated that the project avoided paid advertising since its inception. The route spans approximately 500 kilometers from Latvia to Poland, starting near Lazdijai. The first pilgrim completed the entire path in 2019. The initiative emphasizes community involvement and safety, avoiding highways. The upcoming publication aims to explore the spiritual and cultural significance of the journey, reflecting on modern societal trends regarding solitude and identity.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Siyi on UnsplashGood news
On October 16, a charity auction titled 'Merkinė Organs' took place at the Palace of the Grand Dukes in Vilnius, Lithuania. The event aimed to raise funds for restoring historic church organs. Among the 80 lots, a surprise item was a sack of potatoes donated by Algis Pigaga from Merkinė. After intense bidding, the sack sold for 150 euros. The organizers, violinist Barbora Valiukevičiūtė-Žeižytė and painter Algimantas Rokas Černiauskas, stated the goal was to highlight heritage. The total raised across three auctions reached approximately 45,000 euros. Pigaga expressed surprise at the price, joking he would donate more next time.
Salesian priest Alessandro Barelli has lived in Lithuania for nearly twenty years, having arrived in 1998 after initial summer visits began in 1994. In a recent interview with Rimas Šapauskas, Barelli discussed his work with youth and the origins of his mission. He explained that a local priest in Alytus initially requested volunteers to lead summer camps. Impressed by his engagement with Lithuanian youth, the global Salesian leader invited Barelli to move permanently. He arrived in October 1998, marking the start of his long-term ministry in the country. (Bernardinai)
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by mohammad majid on UnsplashGood news
The Vilnius Archdiocese Caritas Mother and Child Home in Lithuania celebrated its 30th anniversary. Director Vida Neverovič-Markūnienė noted that while the facility began by helping homeless young mothers, current challenges include substance abuse and war refugees. The center now supports school-aged children and Ukrainian families, such as one from Zaporizhzhia. The team expanded to ten staff members and relies on over 80 volunteers to provide housing and psychological aid. The institution remains vital for vulnerable women and children in the region.
Lithuanian young people are registering for World Youth Day in South Korea faster than organizers expected. Laurynas Būda, a coordinator for the John Paul II Pilgrim Community, notes that interest from schools and universities has surpassed planned campaigns. A group from Kaunas has filled its fifty spots. Participants prepare through meetings to discuss intentions and local culture. The event includes diocesan days and a final gathering in Seoul. Būda emphasizes that the pilgrimage helps youth understand themselves and the global Church, despite physical fatigue and unexpected changes in living arrangements with host families.
The 25th anniversary of the Sielos contemporary Christian music and arts festival will take place in Palanga, Lithuania, from October 19 to 25. Remigijus Jucevičius, head of the Good News Center, highlights the event's ecumenical nature and its goal to share the Gospel through various art forms. Notable performers include Tomas Bieliūnas-T-Buck and the group Jautì. The festival, organized by volunteers without state funding, features music, theater, and poetry. A special service will be held on October 25 at the Palanga Evangelical Church, supported by bishops Kęstutis Kėvalas and Mindaugas Sabutis.
After thirty-five years of serving the poor in Kretinga, Lithuania, the Congregation of the Missionaries of Charity, commonly known as Mother Teresa's Sisters, is departing. Telšius Bishop Algirdas Jurevičius announced the departure during a solemn mass on October 18. The bishop stated that the sisters are leaving because Lithuania now has a strong social welfare system, meaning their specific mission to aid the most vulnerable has been fulfilled. He thanked the sisters for their dedication and presented them with a book on the diocese's history and a financial donation for their future work elsewhere. The event also commemorated the centenary of the Telšius diocese and the 50th anniversary of the local monastery's restoration.
Tomas Narkevicius, a former lukewarm Catholic in Lithuania, transformed his life after his wife encouraged him to attend the Alpha course. Initially skeptical, he joined due to curiosity and the promise of sandwiches. The experience deepened his faith and understanding of the Church. Now, he volunteers leading Alpha sessions for homeless individuals at the Caritas Betanija center in Vilnius. His conversion also improved family relationships, as his children and in-laws eventually joined the program. Narkevicius credits the course with opening new opportunities for service and personal growth.
Archbishop Elia of Helsinki traveled to Lithuania to bolster the Orthodox Exarchate in the country. During his visit, he celebrated Divine Liturgy at a Roman Catholic monastery with local clergy and representatives from other Christian denominations. According to Archbishop Elia, the trip aims to provide moral, spiritual, and financial assistance to the Exarchate, which is still in its early stages. He also discussed regional security concerns, specifically the threat posed by Russia, during an interview with Lithuanian public television. The visit seeks to deepen cooperation between the Orthodox Church of Finland and the Lithuanian Orthodox community before he returns to Finland.
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