The President visited the Church of the Transfiguration, built through Lithuanian efforts in New York

On Thursday, President Gitanas Nausėda, together with First Lady Diana Nausėdienė, visited the Church of the Transfiguration in Maspeth. Built in 1962 by Lithuanian émigrés, the church stands as a remarkable symbol of Lithuanian culture, history and spiritual heritage.

"We are grateful to the Diocese of Brooklyn for its decision to preserve this church. The Church of the Transfiguration is a shared heritage of Lithuania, the Lithuanian American community, and the United States of America. It reminds us of the horrors of World War II, the mass forced migrations and the struggle of subjugated nations for sovereignty and freedom. The United States played a crucial role in this struggle," the President stated.

Gitanas Nausėda also thanked New York City Council Member Robert Holden and the initiative group for their efforts to preserve this unique building: "The loss of this church would be a loss not only for Lithuania's heritage but also for the historical and cultural diversity of New York City."

The building has received an award from the American Institute of Architects and is of unique architectural and artistic value, blending modern and traditional Lithuanian styles. Such churches could not be built in Lithuania at the time due to Soviet occupation.

During the visit, the President and First Lady also visited the nearby Lithuanian charitable organization, Lithuanian Catholic Religious Aid.

The church tour was guided by the Bishop of Brooklyn, Robert J. Brennan, and Ramutė Žukas, Chair of the Long Island Lithuanian Community.