George Matulaitis Journal

pastor, Father Slab inskas. 1 At that time I told them that I would not change the order of services while we are in a state of war. After the fighting is over, it will be possible to investigate the situation and see whether some changes are needed. If they have something against the pastor, let them point out what is wrong and I will look into it. The delegates were impossible to talk to. Father Slab inskas had told me about the situation. The Polish Legionnaires and militia as well as the agents of the Border Guard 2 had interfered in matters of the church and had also incited the people. I thought it better to wait awhile until the mood of the Poles is somewhat calmer and they have cooled off a bit. They also brought me lists of the parishioners, drawn up by the Poles, of course; only a handful of Lithuanians were listed. I could not accept these lists. In 1912, lists had been made and checked by having them read from the pulpit so everyone would know if he is included and under what nationality. I begged the delegates to be patient until the war ended. I said to them: “You have not lost your national spirit up to now. You consider yourselves Poles, and during this short period while the war is in progress, surely you will not lose your national identity.” The same people came a second time. Now they demanded not only the abolition of the Lithuanian-language services, but also denounced the pastor. I promised to appoint a committee to investigate the charges against the priest. The Lithuanian delegation came as well and argued that the accusations against the pastor were pure lies and fabrications and that the order of services was fair. After that I immediately left for Gniezno. 3 In the meantime, at Giedraiciai the Poles, encouraged and incited by the soldiers, seized the pastor and took him away. 4 I heard they intended to banish a whole group of Lithuanian priests in this manner, including me. Then the Poles began a campaign against me and published all kinds of fabricated stories. This campaign was led by members of the Polish 282 1 Antanas Slab inskas was a Lithuanian priest who had been pastor of the parish in the town of Giedraiciai for some time. 2 The Stra ? Kresowa was a Polish political organization active from the beginning of 1919 in south- western Lithuania known as the Suwa = ki region, which they claimed for Poland. After the first border demar- cation line was drawn up June 18, 1919, these Border Guards extended their activities to the area around Vilnius as well. 3 To attend the Conference of the Bishops of Poland. 4 On August 14 he was taken to the local militia who then took him to Vilnius and left him in front of the bishop’s residence.