In the identity of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (GDL) lies a somewhat forgotten, but once significant element of the Uniate churches. Since the early 17th century, Uniates held a prominent place in Vilnius’s confessional structure, and Uniate sacred architecture reflected the broader architectural trends that spread across the GDL. Following the partitions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (1772, 1793, 1795), Imperial Russia began a systematic destruction of Uniate churches on the former GDL lands. Later, after transferring Uniate property to the Orthodox, former Uniate churches were either destroyed or reconstructed in the Russian style. Notable examples include the Church of St. Nicholas near Vilnius Town Hall Square, which lost its Baroque appearance during reconstructions, and the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, where a massive Baroque pediment was demolished when converted to an Orthodox church. Many such examples can be found throughout the GDL.
The Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania declared 2023 the Year of Saint Josaphat, aiming to honor the Greek-Catholic (Unite) martyr Josaphat Kuntsevych, who died in Vitebsk (now Belarus) in 1623. Saint Josaphat was one of the founders of the Basilian Order in the GDL. Josaphat Kuntsevych dedicated 21 years of his life (from 1596 to 1617, when he was appointed Archbishop of Polotsk) to the Monastery of the Holy Trinity in Vilnius, a crucial period for his spiritual formation. He is considered one of the most significant figures not only in Uniate church history. Recently, more has been discovered about the importance of both Josaphat Kuntsevych’s activities and the material signs of the Uniate flourishing period for a deeper understanding and reinterpretation of GDL and Vilnius history. This exhibition aims to contribute to the knowledge of the destroyed Uniate sacred architecture heritage in Vilnius and the GDL, revealing its richness and contribution to the present face of Vilnius, Lithuania, and the almost unified Europe in the face of threats.
Based on iconographic and historical material, the exhibition presents images of churches belonging to the Uniates in Vilnius and the GDL, their changes, and a model illustrating the reconstruction of the former Uniate parish church of St. Nicholas, showcasing the Baroque period of Uniate prosperity.
Exhibition curator: Žygimantas Buržinskas
Text authors: Žygimantas Buržinskas, Povilas Andrius Stepavičius
Designer: Gedas Čiuželis
Translator: Aldona Matulytė
Language editor: Jūratė Mičiulienė
Exhibition coordinators: Akvilė Jagminaitė-Markevičienė, Alfredas Jomantas
Organizers: Cultural Heritage Department under the Ministry of Culture and Vilnius Town Hall
Partners: Vilnius City Museum, Merkine Region Museum
