Foundations of Christian Culture: Lithuania

Join Seton Hall's inaugural trip to Lithuania and learn about how Saints Cyril and Methodius proved that God's Word is inclusive and should be shared with all people in their own native languages.

This course studies the intersection between Communication and Religion in Lithuania. Slavic countries have a rich Catholic heritage with an important liturgical history highlighting key issues in Christian communication. In the Middle Ages Saints Cyril and Methodius developed a new alphabet and extensive translations to teach the faith to eastern Europeans. In the process, and against significant opposition, they helped the Church defeat the "tri-lingual heresy" and establish that the Word of God can and should be extended to all peoples by celebrating sacraments in all tongues. The universality of the Word is a unifying principle underpinning all missionary work and by extension all Christian communication. Cyril and Methodius proved that orthodox teaching, successful communication and genuine understanding are all possible with faith that the same divine truth can be translated for all people across all cultures. This course adopts select Biblical passages and papal documents and visits major cities in Lithuania to study how Christian and Slavic language and culture have engaged one another and grown together.

From forts to ferries, synagogues to sand dunes, monasteries to museums and so much more, you will find there won’t be enough time to explore it all during your tour in Lithuania. Lithuania is one of the best kept secrets of Northern Europe and it’s brimming with culture, history, and hospitality.

Klaipeda
The third largest city in Lithuania, located on the Baltic Sea. It is a thriving cultural and business hub of the region that turns into a resort for the summer season. Klaipeda’s history goes back to 13th century and the city streets and people tell the stories from the 750+ years of existence. During your stay in Klaipeda you will tour Curonian Spit, A UNESCO World Heritage Site bursting with the unique architecture, breathtaking dunes, lush forests, wild sand beaches without the crowds of tourists.

Vilnius
The capital city of Lithuania. Boasting it’s the largest medieval old town in Central and Eastern Europe, Vilnius is increasingly popular for its warming sense of history, bewitching architectural heritage, and bustling café culture. Vilnius is sometime called the city of Divine Mercy and religious communities of various denominations have found home here. Visiting to unique and breathtaking churches are a must for anyone visiting Vilnius.

Kaunas
The second largest Lithuania‘s city, which keeps the authentic spirit of the country‘s national character alive. Kaunas is proud of its great number of churches, museums, theatres, universities, and parks and was a temporary capital of Lithuania in the beginning of 20th century. The Pažaislis Monastery and church of the Holy Mary was founded by monks of Camaldolese and is one of the most beautiful example of Baroque architecture in North and East Europe.

Siauliai
Day trip to Siauliai region will include a stop at the Hill of Crosses. Desecrated but never destroyed, set on fire but never burned down, the Hill of Crosses is a potent symbol of faith, hope, and freedom.
 

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