Lithuanian Religion

The predominant religion in Lithuania is Catholicism, and it holds a central place in the country's cultural and historical identity. Catholicism has deep roots in Lithuania, with a rich tradition that spans centuries. The Catholic Church has played a vital role in shaping the nation's values, customs, and social fabric. Many important historical events, traditions, and celebrations in Lithuania are closely connected to the Catholic faith, making it a cornerstone of the country's spiritual and communal life.

While Catholicism is the dominant religion, Lithuania is also home to a diverse religious landscape that includes smaller communities of Orthodox Christians, Old Believers, Lutherans, Reformed Evangelicals, Muslims, Jews, and other religious groups.

Catholicism holds the majority in Lithuania, comprising 74.19% (2,085,340) of the population. Other religious affiliations and their corresponding proportions encompass Orthodox (3.75%, 105,326), Orthodox Old Believers (0.65%, 18,196), Evangelical Lutherans (0.56%, 15,741), Evangelical Reformed (0.2%, 5,540), Sunni Muslims (0.08%, 2,165), Baptists and free churchpersons (0.04%, 1,092), Judaic (0.03%, 899), Greek Catholics (Uniates) (0.03%, 785), Karaites (0.01%, 255), and adherents of other religions (0.58%, 16,486). Additionally, a notable segment of the populace identifies as having no religion (6.11%, 171,810), while a significant number did not specify their religious affiliation (13.67%, 384,094).

Before the arrival of Christianity, the traditional religion of the Lithuanian people was a form of polytheism, often referred to as Baltic paganism. This ancient belief system was closely tied to the natural world, with a focus on various deities associated with elements of nature, such as the sun, moon, forests, rivers, and other natural phenomena.

The Lithuanian pantheon included gods and goddesses who were believed to govern different aspects of life, fertility, agriculture, and warfare. Among the prominent deities were Perkūnas, the god of thunder and lightning, and Žemyna, the goddess of the earth. Rituals and ceremonies were conducted to honor and appease these deities, often taking place in sacred groves or near natural landmarks.

The Baltic pagan worldview also included a strong connection with ancestral spirits and a reverence for the spirits of the land. Practices involved various rites, sacrifices, and celebrations tied to seasonal cycles and agricultural activities.

With the Christianization of Lithuania, which began in the late 14th century and culminated in the official conversion in the 15th century, the traditional pagan beliefs gradually waned, and Christianity, particularly Catholicism, became the dominant religion in the region.

Romuva is a contemporary neo-pagan movement rooted in the ancient mythology of the Lithuanian people, with a primary goal of reconstructing the religious practices that existed prior to the Christianization of Lithuania in 1387. Followers of Romuva aim to revive Baltic pagan traditions preserved in folklore, customs, and superstitions. This polytheistic pagan faith emphasizes the sacredness of nature and the veneration of ancestors. For practitioners, engaging in the Romuva faith serves as a source of cultural pride, involving the celebration of traditional arts, the retelling of Baltic folklore, observance of customary holidays, playing traditional Baltic music, singing dainos (traditional songs), as well as participating in ecological activism and safeguarding sacred sites.

While Romuva is primarily practiced in Lithuania, it has also found adherents in various countries, including Australia, Canada, Russia, the United States, and England. Similar Baltic pagan faiths, such as Dievturība, exist in Latvia. The 2001 census in Lithuania reported approximately 1,200 individuals identifying with Romuva, a number that increased to around 5,100 in the 2011 census. This growth reflects a renewed interest and engagement in the revival of ancient Baltic religious traditions among a segment of the population.

Religion in Lithuania has a rich and complex history that has been shaped by various influences over the centuries. The early history of Lithuania is marked by pagan beliefs, with the Baltic tribes practicing their indigenous polytheistic faiths. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania, established in the 13th century, was initially characterized by religious diversity, with both paganism and early forms of Christianity coexisting.

The Christianization of Lithuania began in the late 14th century when Grand Duke Jogaila converted to Christianity and married Queen Jadwiga of Poland. This event led to the Union of Krewo in 1385, which laid the foundation for the Christianization of Lithuania. Subsequently, in 1387, Jogaila, now known as Władysław II Jagiełło, formally adopted Christianity, marking the conversion of the Lithuanian ruling elite. The Union of Lublin in 1569 further solidified the ties between Lithuania and Poland and resulted in the formation of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, where Catholicism became the dominant religion.

Throughout the centuries, Lithuania experienced a complex interplay of religious influences due to geopolitical changes and conflicts. The Counter-Reformation in the 16th century reinforced Catholicism's position in the region, although pockets of Protestantism persisted. The 19th century saw a revival of national identity and a cultural movement known as the Lithuanian National Revival, which sought to preserve and promote Lithuanian language and culture.

During the 20th century, Lithuania faced significant challenges, including periods of occupation by the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. These occupations brought about religious suppression and persecution. However, the resilience of the Lithuanian people, along with the restoration of independence in 1990, allowed for the reemergence and flourishing of religious freedom.