Lithuanian in Canada

People Name:	Lithuanian
Country:	Canada
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	11,000
World Population:	2,777,000
Primary Language:	Lithuanian
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	85.00 %
Evangelicals:	1.60 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Baltic
Affinity Bloc:	Eurasian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The ancestors of the Lithuanians came from Asia between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago. Lithuania was united with Poland between the 1600s-1700s. In the late 1700s Russia took over this small country. Germany occupied Lithuania during both WWI and WWII. Russia made it part of the USSR after the war, and it remained a "Soviet Socialist Republic" until the USSR dissolved in 1991.

They have their own language by the same name, Lithuanian. It is neither Germanic nor Slavic.

Lithuanians have been migrating to other countries for work since the end of the communist era. Though the bulk of the Lithuanian population is in Lithuania, there are small numbers of them in other countries including Canada.

There were a small number of Lithuanians who joined British military forces and settled in Canada as early as the 1800s. More of them came in the early 20th century for economic opportunities. They often worked in Nova Scotia mines. Others came to escape when the Nazis and later the communists took over their small country. When communism fell in 1991, others came to join relatives and to seek a better life. They are most likely to live in Toronto.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Lithuanians have integrated into Canadian society, but they have ways of retaining their culture. They have music and dance groups and cultural societies. There are many Lithuanian Roman Catholic churches. Those with a professional background have a special Facebook page.

Lithuanians have many dishes with sour cream. One of their favorites is saltibarsciai, a cold soup with sour cream and buttermilk as its base. Saltibarsciai includes sliced cucumber, green onions and hard boiled eggs. They also like mildly spiced roasted meats.

In their spare time, Lithuanians enjoy basketball. They love saunas so much that they consider them a necessity.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are mainly cultural Roman Catholics. Many are secular, partly because of their communist past.

What Are Their Needs?

Like people everywhere, the Lithuanians need to put Jesus Christ central in their lives so they can enjoy his perfect guidance and mercy.

Prayer Points

Pray that God will show the best ways to evangelize the Lithuanians.

Pray that when Lithuanians face troubles, they will turn to Jesus Christ for answers.

Pray for spiritual hunger and a desire for truth among the Lithuanians in Canada.

Pray for Lithuanian disciples to make more disciples, especially among family leaders.