Religion
Since the Christianization of parts of Lithuania proper in 1387 and of Samogitia in 1413, the majority of Lithuanians have been members of the Roman Catholic Church. According to the 2001 census, 79% of Lithuanians are Roman Catholic. Approximately 4.9% of the population are Eastern Orthodox, mainly the Russian minority. Under Article 26 of the Constitution of Lithuania, persons can freely practice a religion of their choosing.
Catholicism played a significant role in Lithuanian anti-communist resistance under the Soviet Union. Several Catholic priests were leaders of the anti-communist movements, and thousands of Latin rite crosses were placed on the Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai, despite its being bulldozed in 1961.
Read more about this topic: Culture Of Lithuania
Famous quotes containing the word religion:
“The true meaning of religion is thus, not simply morality, but morality touched by emotion.”
—Matthew Arnold (1822–1888)
“One’s religion is whatever he is most interested in, and yours is Success.”
—J.M. (James Matthew)
“There is more religion in men’s science than there is science in their religion.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)