* Photo and video albums from AmberAtlantic correspondent traveling in Lithuania and Poland the first time after 22 years:

New York 2010

 Roman Catholicism is the main religion in Lithuania, although Lithuania was the last big country in Europe that converted from Paganism in 15 century. So memories are still "fresh" and some people suggest to be "faithful" and return back to religion of our ancestors. There are few main reasons supporting this idea. One of them implies situation with "Lithuanian" community real-estate world wide.  Lithuanians thought it is "Lithuanian" when in reality appeared they have no rights for it at the end. They and many other ethnic organizations were deceived and used by Roman Church establishments. Religions organizations used and still using ethnic and patriotic fillings to accumulate wealth acquiring peoples money. I.e. Lithuanians as ethnic group collected a lot of money and build big Lithuanian center "Zidinys" consisting from many buildings in the middle of New York City. They mandated "Fathers Bernardines" to manage it and made big mistake trusting monks who proclaimed that money is the last thing they seek. In the end "Fathers" sold "Cultural Center" and left New York Lithuanian ethnic group. Similar situation with "Lithuanian" churches. It appears they are not "Lithuanian's", they are "Vatican's". There you can find main Landlords of thees real estate. They are stating that the reason for closing is low Lithuanians participation. But isn't it in some way their's fault? Lithuanians are participating massively in ethnic Lithuanians events.

Historically happened that i.e. Estonians have religion that not so centralized and ruled by other ethnicities and with it they won big way. Small group of Estonians in New York metro managed to acquire and maintain and Estonian cultural center in Manhattan and Estonian Campground in NJ and  more. Ukrainians have summer camps all over Catskill mountains. 

Conclusion is - do not mix money and religion. Don't let yourself be deceived. If we are talking about "Lithuanian spirit", then let's organize on the ethnic base, not on the religion. Fight for your belongings. Representative lawyers can get a part of the money but only after wining with Vatican. They are blamed for lose of "Zidinys" with Bernardines, but isn't it Lithuanian Community fault that they mismanaged the lawyers too! Ethnicity masked incorporated  "Lithuanian" foundations accumulated wealth that was practically not helpful for new-comers, neither in battles for ethnic centers in US. Looks like those incorporations it is another deception - capital to make more money and give employment for small group of people.

 Aušros Vartų likimas – Aukščiausiojo valstijos teismo rankose