THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KAUNAS
KAUNAS
In 1973 the authorities allowed the seminary administration to accept twelve applicants to the interdiocesan theological seminary in Kaunas. Two candidates were struck off the list by the commissioner of the Council for Religious Affairs, K. Tumėnas. The most important role in accepting applicants to the seminary is played by the security police. If a candidate seems somehow unsuitable to them, he is not allowed to enroll.
As 1973 was ending, forty-eight seminarians were studying at the theological seminary in Kaunas. The Soviet government awaits the day when there will be no more applicants for the seminary; then they will abolish the limitation—anyone who wants to will be able to join.
It was suggested to the seminary authorities that they take over the care of the Church of the Holy Trinity. For many years the seminary had made use of this church, and it had been beautifully renovated; but the government confiscated it and turned it into a warehouse. Most probably the authorities would like the seminary to repair the church again, so that it could be confiscated once more. The bishop has refused to repair the church—let whoever did the wrecking repair it!
***
On October 3, 1973, workers at the woodwork plant in Aleksotas went out on strike. During the day shift 320 laborers refused to work, and on the night shift about 340. The cause of the strike was a reduction in wages.
On the day of the strike, police, security agents, and officials from the Kaunas City Executive Committee arrived at the plant. They tried to reason with the workers to persuade them to work. Even officials who came from the ministry were unsuccessful in convincing the workers. The next day, wages were increased.
An attempt was made to blame the youth for the strike, but almost all the strikers had been adults and even grey-haired people.
