Diocese of Samogitia, Lithuania
600th Anniversary

Samogitia is located in the Northwest portion of Lithuania, with access to the Baltic Sea. 2017 marks the Diocese's 600th anniversary. The histories of Poland and Lithuania are closely related. In 1387 the non-Christian Grand Duke Vytautus of Lithuania married the heir to the throne of Poland with the condition that he and its people convert to Christianity. In 1417 the Council of Constance created the Diocese of Samogitia with Motiejus as its first bishop. Prior to conversion of this territory, portions of the Baltic lands were occupied by the Teutonic Knights. For 200 years, battles occurred between the crusading order and various Lithuanian factions, with both the Knights and Lithuanians experiencing temporary success but also failures. Samogitia was the last European area to accept Christianity in 1413. Because of its historical independence, even after 1413, Samogitia exercised autonomy in government. It is important to recall the long history of Lithuania in relationship to its neighbors, especially Russia. During the 14th century, Lithuania/Poland was the largest country in Europe, encompassing not only Lithuania but portions of (now) Belarus, the Ukraine. Poland and Russia. Dynastic relationships formed the background of political relationships. In 1569 the Union of Lublin formed the Poland-Lithuanian Commonwealth. It lasted until Poland was dismembered during the Partitions of Poland in 1772-1795, with most of Lithuania becoming part of Russia. Lithuania was again independent in 1918, then reoccupied by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union during World War II. In 1926 Pope Pius XI created the Archdiocese of Kaunas, the seat of the Bishop of Samogitia. The Soviet Union occupied Lithuania until 1990 when it dissolved, and the current Lithuanian Republic was formed. To mark the Diocese's 600th anniversary the Vatican issued a €1,00 stamp in sheets of four. This was a joint issue with the postal service of Lithuania. The first bishop, Motiejus, and Lithuanian Grand Duke Vytautus are depicted on the stamp designed by the Lithuanian artist Vaclovas Butrimas. Technical Details: Scott Catalogue - 1641 - 1641M Date Issued - 10 February 2017 Face Value - €1,00 Perforations - 13.75x13.75 Printing Process - Offset Printer - VABA MAA (Estonia) Max Printed - 360,000 Joint Issue - Lithuania

(Source - Vatican Notes: Volume: 65 Issue: 372 Page: 4-6)