VILNIUS - National flags adorned with black ribbons fluttered at half-mast across the streets of Vilnius this week and church bells rang a day after Pope John Paul II's death.
National TV stations altered their programs in connection with the news, suspending comedies, concerts and films in respect to the Polish pope, who is perceived as one of the main international advocates for Lithuanian independence.
Following the pontiff's passing on April 3, the government announced a three-day mourning. Later, Prime Minister Algirdas Brazauskas said the government was receiving phone calls and addresses to extend the period to five days, until the pope's funeral.
For many Lithuanians, who are predominantly Catholic, John Paul II was considered a hero for his inspirational role leading to the overthrow of communism. President Valdas Adamkus said that Lithuania had lost a great and dear friend, and one of the most prominent figures of our time.
"The entire life of Pope John Paul II was a testimony of faith and unbreakable hope," Adamkus wrote in his telegram to the Vatican, dispatched on April 2 when it became increasingly clear that the pope was in his final hours.
Adamkus, who is set to attend the pope's funeral on April 7, said that "from the very first days of his pontificate, the Holy Father reminded the world imperatively about Lithuania's occupation, its strive for independence and was always speaking in favor of Lithuania's return to the community of independent states."
Since April 3, morning Lithuanians have been laying flowers and lit candles at the door of Apostolic Nunciature in Vilnius, where everyone was invited to write a message of sympathy in the book of condolences.
Before leaving for the Vatican shortly after the pope's death, Cardinal Audrys Juozas Backis reminded people of the pope's assistance to Christians under persecution.
"During the years of Soviet oppression, he was the voice of a silent church that uncompromisingly declared the sinful origin of atheistic totalitarianism that was treading on human dignity."
Ricardas Doveika, a priest at Vilnius Cathedral, expressed disappointment with those Lithuanian Catholics who did not react adequately to the great loss. The priest was shocked to see that Lithuanian churches remained nearly empty, while believers in other countries flocked to houses of worship for prayer.
"Although the main square in the city [capital] was full of people heading toward night clubs, I was shocked that the first person to express condolences that night was a tourist from Switzerland," said Doveika.
The priest emphasized that the church urged people to stay over night and pray for John Pall II. Believers, however, chose to return home.
Vilnius Mayor Arturas Zuokas assigned his administration to find ways to perpetuate the Holy Father's memory.
"A great man deserves proper respect. We will strive to perpetuate in Vilnius, the memory of His Holiness John Paul II 's a man that supported the strivings and hopes of our country with his thoughts and works," Zuokas said.
It is still undecided how the pope will be commemorated 's by a monument or memorial plaque, but it's already clear that the memorial will have to be located in John Paul's Square in front of St. Peter Paul's Church in Vilnius.
"He was a man who changed the course of history relevant to Lithuania. John Paul II greatly contributed to a faster end of the Communist regime, thus accelerating Lithuania's freedom," said Algirdas Saudargas, Lithuania's ambassador to the Holy See.
