RE: Hill of the Crosses

[Thomas Oord]

Friends,

I was at a science and theology conference in Sweden last week, so I decided to take some time and fly over to the Baltic states to look around. Estonia and Latvia were great, but the highlight of the trip was the hill of crosses in Lithuania. Here are some photos of the hill and some of its crosses...

[Hans Deventer]

The highlight of the trip was the hill of crosses in Lithuania. Here are some photos of the hill and some of its crosses...

What was the idea behind the hill, Tom?

[Thomas Oord]

Hans,

The history is murky. Apparently, a few crosses were placed on the hill earlier in the century. It may be that a church once stood on the site. Stories vary.

The history gets interesting during the Soviet occupation of Lithuania. The Soviets and their sympathizers burned the crosses. And yet new crosses would appear to replace them. The site was at one point bulldozed by Soviets. And yet people would sneak out in the middle of the night and put more crosses on the hill. The hill became a symbol of Lithuanian resistance.

After Lithuanian independence, the hill has become a kind of mecca for Christians in the region. Now more than 600,000 crosses are planted at the site. Most crosses seem planted by Polish and Irish Catholics. Pope John visited several years ago and planted a cross.

What I found amazing is the variety of crosses and depictions of Jesus. Many crosses are hand carved. The designs are diverse. It's fascinating!

One of my favorite things is that the site is not commercialized, packaged, or marketed. You drive up through farm fields. There is no fee, no "park guides," no fences. Two really gross outhouses stand a hundred meters from the hill. And a dozen or so vendors sell Lithuanian "souvenirs" in the parking area. But I spent a great deal of time all alone on the hill looking at the crosses. It was inspirational.

I recommend a visit!

Tom

PS> I mainly used that new camera lens you and Jonathan recommended. I can post more photos if you're interested in seeing more.

[Hans Deventer]

I mainly used that new camera lens you and Jonathan recommended. I can post more photos if you're interested in seeing more.

Sure!!

[Thomas Oord]

Here are some more photos from the hill of the crosses in Lithuania...

TO

[Cindi Hammons]

Did you add one to the collection while you were there?

[Thomas Oord]

Unfortunately, I did not. I thought about it, but mine would have been purchased at a nearby vendor. I would prefer to bring one that that is more meaningful. When I return to the hill...

Tom

[Ed Laubster]

That is just cool! Thanks so much for sharing these pics, and this story, with us.

:basic07

[Stephen Morley]

It must have been incredibly moving. Do you have any thoughts as to the why?
Thanks for sharing!

Stephen Morley

[Eugenia Whitten]

The picture with the winding road is by far, the best! How impressive!

[Thomas Oord]

Stephen,

Do you mean the "why" the crosses were placed on the hill?

Eugenia,

Thanks for the compliment on the photo with the winding road!

Tom

[Jim Franklin]

Dr. Tom, when I saw you last night at Missionary Convention, you said you had taken your Mom, my college friend, Louise, with you to Sweden and the Baltic nations but you said nothing more so I am very pleased that you posted these pictures for all NazNetters to remember the payment by suffering on the cross paid for our redemption by our Savior. I am so very pleased that Louise's son turned out so well. You have an incredible mom, sir.

[Thomas Oord]

Thanks, Jim. I think my Mom is incredible too! Here's a photo of us on that same trip, except in Stockholm, Sweden...

Tom

PS. It was great to see you at the convention!

[Jim Franklin]

Louise (Liner) Oord looks very well and proud of her son. Thanks.