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Perelozai Church

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The Perelozai Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is one of the most beautiful Old Believers' places of worship in Lithuania. Built in 1905 on the foundations of an older church, this wooden sanctuary with its Byzantine-style tower and belfry retains authentic Old Believers' architecture. Abandoned during the Soviet era, the church was restored thanks to emigrants from Perelozai.

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Religious Heritage
Jonava Tourism Information Center

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55.033082, 24.510764

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The Old Believers' community, preserving its traditions, prays in the old Slavonic language, adheres to ancient customs, and follows a special calendar for worship. Nearby are 18th-century cemeteries maintained by the community. The Perelozai Church is a unique historical and cultural heritage site worth visiting. Situated in the Upninkai forest, the Perelozai Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is one of the most beautiful and unique examples of Old Believers' architecture in Lithuania. The Old Believers are custodians of ancient Orthodox traditions and rituals, emerging in the 17th century after reforms in the Russian Orthodox Church initiated by Patriarch Nikon. Opposing these reforms, the Old Believers faced persecution and sought refuge in other countries. The history of the Perelozai Church dates back to the early 19th

century. Documents from 1827 mention that Old Believers in this area already had a church and a community house. After a fire in the second half of the 19th century, a new wooden church with a Byzantine-style tower and belfry was built in 1905. During the Soviet era, the village became deserted, and the church was neglected. However, emigrants from Perelozai scattered across Lithuania restored the church, where periodic services are still held today. Led by Michail Rybakov, this Old Believers' community has preserved its authentic traditions. Prayers are conducted in Old Slavonic, the community does not recognize ecclesiastical hierarchy, and they worship according to a special calendar. Next to the village, by the Lietava stream, lie the Perelozai cemeteries dating back to the 18th century, maintaining the spirit of bygone times.

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