Language is not just a tool for communication; it’s a gateway to understanding a culture’s customs and beliefs. For many people, religion and spirituality are a fundamental part of their heritage. If you’re learning Lithuanian and want to engage in discussions about religion and spirituality, understanding the relevant vocabulary is essential. Here, we explore some important words in this context and their definitions.

Tikėjimas – Faith, belief in something often without empirical evidence.
Žmogaus gyvenime tikėjimas suteikia vilties ir stiprybės.

Dievas – God, a supreme being worshipped in various religions.
Kai žmonės meldžiasi, jie dažnai kalba su Dievu.

Maldos namai – House of prayer, a building where people go to pray.
Sekmadieniais maldos namai būna pilni tikinčiųjų.

Bažnyčia – Church, a Christian place of worship.
Kiekviename miestelyje yra bent viena bažnyčia.

Sinagoga – Synagogue, the building where Jews meet for religious worship and instruction.
Sinagoga yra ne tik meldymosi, bet ir bendruomenės susitikimų vieta.

Mechetė – Mosque, a Muslim place of worship.
Penktadieniais, musulmonai rinkosi į mechetę maldai.

Vienuolynas – Monastery, a building or complex where monks or nuns live in community.
Vienuolynas nuošalyje stovi ant kalno viršūnės.

Siela – Soul, the spiritual part of a human being or animal regarded as immortal.
Manoma, kad siela gyvena amžinai, net po kūno mirties.

Amžinybė – Eternity, endless time.
Mokytojas paaiškino, kad amžinybė yra be galo ilgas laikas.

Atpirkimas – Redemption, the action of being saved from sin, error, or evil.
Krikščionys tiki, kad Jėzus atnešė atpirkimą visai žmonijai.

Šventumas – Holiness, the state of being holy or sacred.
Vieta prie jūros turi ypatingą šventumą šioje bendruomenėje.

Stebuklas – Miracle, a surprising event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is considered to be divine.
Jie tikėjo, kad jų vaiko pasveikimas buvo tikras stebuklas.

Dvasininkas – Clergyman, a male priest or minister in Christianity.
Dvasininkas sakė pamokslą apie meilę ir atleidimą.

Vedlys – Spiritual guide, a person who provides direction or guidance in spiritual matters.
Mano vedlys man padeda įveikti gyvenimo sunkumus.

These words provide a framework for discussing religion and spirituality in a Lithuanian context. Understanding and using them appropriately will not only enrich your language skills but also will deepen your appreciation of Lithuanian culture and the diverse beliefs and traditions it encompasses. Whether you’re studying the language or engaging with the local community, this vocabulary can open doors to meaningful conversations and connections.