Monthly Archives: November 2007

The Vilnius Cathedral (Arkikatedra Bazilika)

The Roman Catholic Vilnius Cathedral is built on the site of an ancient pagan temple dedicated to Perkūnas, the god of thunder and fire. Five different cathedrals have been built on this site, each one destroyed by war or natural disaster. … Continue reading

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged | Comments Off on The Vilnius Cathedral (Arkikatedra Bazilika)

Russian Orthodox Churches in Vilnius

As a whole, Lithuania’s population is Roman Catholic, but as a result of the strong Russian influences throughout history, Vilnius is home to several Russian Orthodox Churches, including the Church of St. Nicolas and the Church of the Holy Spirit. … Continue reading

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged | 3 Comments

Trakai and the Karaites

In Trakai, a group of people called the Karaites have had a significant influence on local architecture and culture. The Karaites are an offshoot of Judaism, although they are not Semitic. Karaites are of Turkish origin and were living in … Continue reading

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged | 7 Comments

The Island Castle in Trakai, Lithuania

On Tuesday, 23 October 2007, my cousin Liliana and I traveled to Trakai to visit the Trakai Historical National Park, the smallest of Lithuania’s five national parks. We traveled from Vilnius to Trakai by bus and then walked the remainder of … Continue reading

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged | 1 Comment

The Lithuanian Parish of Butrimonys

While living in the Lithuanian village of LikiÅ¡kÄ—s, my grandmother’s family attended church in Butrimonys, although some records show that, at times, they attended church in StakliÅ¡kÄ—s. The Church in Butrimonys – 1 SOURCE: The Church in Butrimonys – 1. Photographed … Continue reading

Posted in Chmielewski/Meleski, Daily Journal | Tagged | 2 Comments

More Photographs of the Chmielewski Farm in Lithuania

In years past, a road ran by the main house on the Chmielewski farm in LikiÅ¡kÄ—s, Lithuania, and on that road, close to the house stood this shrine. One of the neighbors told us that, on their way to the … Continue reading

Posted in Chmielewski/Meleski, Daily Journal | Tagged | 3 Comments

The Chmielewski Farm in Lithuania

On Wednesday, 24 October 2007, our cousin Vitas drove Liliana and me to the farm where our grandmothers were born. The farm is located in the small village of Likiškės, just to the northeast of Alytus, Lithuania. Continue reading

Posted in Chmielewski/Meleski, Daily Journal | Tagged | 2 Comments

SMCGS Seminar with Christine Rose

The San Mateo County Genealogical Society held its Fall Seminar on Saturday, 03 November 2007 at the 1st Presbyterian Church in San Mateo, California with guest speaker Christine Rose, CG, CGL, FASG. Christine Rose, CG, CGL, FASG SOURCE: Christine Rose, … Continue reading

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged | 1 Comment

The Rasos Cemetery in Vilnius, Lithuania

While in Vilnius, I visited the Rasos Cemetery where many famous Lithuanian, Polish, and Byelorussian writers and artists are buried. Continue reading

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged , | 3 Comments

The Samsanavicius and Sarakauskas Graves in Alytus, Lithuania

While in Lithuania, I visited the graves of my grandmother’s sister Ona Chmielewska, Ona’s husband Jonas Samsanavicius, Ona and Jonas’ daughter Elena Samsanaviciute, and Elena’s husband Jonas Sarakauskas. The cemetery is located in Alytus, Alytaus County, Lithuania. All were buried … Continue reading

Posted in Chmielewski/Meleski, Daily Journal | Tagged | 2 Comments