Lithuania Christmas FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: Holy Christmas and New Year
Date of Issue: 07 November 2009

2009 Christmas FDCs:
Estonia, Israel, Lithuania.

2008 Christmas FDCs:
Canada: The Nativity, Canada: Winter Fun, Estonia, Italy, Lithuania.

2007 Christmas FDCs:
Estonia, Finland, Hong Kong, Japan, Lithuania, Ukraine, Vatican.

Lithuania Geodetic Arc FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: The World Heritage Objects: The Struve Geodetic Arc
Date of Issue: 24 October 2009

Denominations:
2 Lt: Triangulation Chain of Struve Arc
2 Lt: Point in Meškonys of Struve's Arc

Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve (1793–1864), the professor of University of Tartu in Estonia developed methodology for measuring the arc of the meridian of the earth. He composed a triangulation chain of 258 triangles with special markings firmed on top. This chain was later named Struve Geodetic Arc in honour of the professor.

The establishment of Struve Geodetic Arc in 1816–1852 is one of the greatest and most impressive attempts to determine the exact size and shape of the earth. The triangulation chain passed through territories of ten countries – from the northernmost European city Hammerfest in Norway to Ismail in Ukraine at the Black Sea. The Arc crosses Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russian Federation, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova. The fragments of this triangulation chain, which extended through the mentioned countries 2822 kilometres, were used for the calculation of the arc of meridian.

In the territory of Lithuania 3 points of Geodetic Arc out of 18 present in the country are marked: one in Rokiškis district (Gireišiai village) and two in Vilnius district (Paliepiukai and Meškonys villages).

From 2005 the Struve Geodetic Arc was inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List. The Struve Geodetic Arc is the first trans-national nomination in the World Heritage List, introduced by ten states.

On June 16 2006 the geodetic point in Meškonys was introduced to the public.

Lithuania Fauna & Flora FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: The Red Book of Lithuania - Grassland Fauna and Flora
Date of Issue: 09 October 2009

Denominations:
1.55Lt: Machaon (Papilio machaon)
The day-flying butterfly Machaon (Papilio machaon) belongs to the family Papilionidae or the Swallowtail.

Every year in Lithuania two generations of machaons evolve: first generation flies during the months of May and June, the second during July and August, sometimes even till the middle of September. The Machaon butterflies are met in Europe, North Africa, in the tropical areas of Asia, North America. In Lithuania they are found all over the country, more frequently in the Southern regions of the country.

Machaons can mostly be noticed in the open, subject to the sun warmth slopes of rivers and lakes, grassy fields, more rarely in the upland bogs. They feed on leaves and trusses of the plants belonging to the family Apiaceae. Machaons do not avoid cultural territories, they can be found in the forest openings, roadsides, gardens, pastures, and forest cuttings. In Lithuania this species is under protection since 1989.

1.55Lt: Marsh Gentian (Gentiana pneumonanthe)
The Marsh Gentian (Gentiana pneumonanthe) – is a flowering plant from Magnoliophyta division.

The period of blossoming of this flower is July–August, sometimes – up to October. The Marsh Gentians are spread throughout almost all Europe, Caucasus, and West Siberia and south of East Siberia. In Lithuania this flower was found in southeast regions: Alytus, Ignalina, Marijampolė, Šalčininkai, Varėna, etc.

The Marsh Gentians grow alone, less frequently in small groups, in boggy meadows or meadows with temporarily excessive moist, also peaty clearings of woods, borders of marshes. This is extremely rare plant and it extinguishes every year due to drainage of marshes, climate change, cultivation of meadows. This species is included into the list of the protected plants of Lithuania since 1962.

Lithuania Order FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: Grand Cross of the Order of the Cross of Vytis
Date of Issue: 19 September 2009

Grand Cross of the Order of the Cross of Vytis – the second state award of Lithuania. The Order was established in 1919.

The Order of the Cross of Vytis is conferred on persons for acts of bravery performed in defending the freedom and independence of the Republic of Lithuania.

After the restoration of independence, the leaders and members of the Senior Committee for a Free Lithuania and other outstanding representatives of the world Lithuanian community were honoured with the Order of the Cross of Vytis for services to the cause of restoration of the Independent State of Lithuania.

The Order of the Cross of Vytis is also awarded to the persons for exceptional courage and fortitude when defending the country’s territory, protecting the State border, for the exceptional bravery during the prevention of ecological disasters, natural disasters, accidents, for especially significant projects related to the organisation of the national defence.

Grand Cross of the Order of the Cross of Vytis consists of: silver cross, silver star and the sash of red moiré.

Lithuania Railway FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: 150th Anniversary of Railway in Lithuania
Date of Issue: 08 August 2009

Denomination:
2,90Lt: The Steam Locomotive 0-3-0 and The Electric Train EJ575

In February of 1851 the government of tsarist Russia made a decision to build a railway line St.Petersburg–Warsaw, which in the territory of Lithuania had to stretch through Dūkštas, Ignalina, Vilnius, Lentvaris with the branch through Kaunas to Kybartai (Virbalis) also reaching the border of Prussia.

The works for railway line Daugpilis–Vilnius–Lentvaris–Kaunas–Kybartai (Virbalis) were started on 1 May 1859, and already on 4 September 1860 the first locomotive arrived to Vilnius from Daugpilis.

Traffic of trains by railway St. Petersburg–Kybartai (Virbalis) was opened on 15 March 1862, and on 15 December regular traffic to Warsaw started. The trip from St. Petersburg to Vilnius lasted almost 19 hours, from Vilnius to Kaunas – 2 hours 33 minutes.

The first vehicles for the railway St.Petersburg–Warsaw were bought in Austria, Belgium, United Kingdom and France.

While building the firs railway line St.Petersburg–Warsaw in XIX century the first train stations were built (21 station): premium class stations in Kybartai (Virbalis) and Lentvaris, first class stations in Vilnius and Kaunas.

Lithuania Ships' Races FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: The Worldwide Regatta of Sailing Ships "The Tall Ships' Races 2009"
Date of Issue: 26 July 2009

Denomination:
3 Lt: The Yacht "Brabander"

The worldwide regatta of sailing ships "The Tall Ships' Races", the history of which dates back to 1872 when English clipper ship reached the speed record sailing from Australia to England in 69 days, is not only great sports event but also impressive international maritime festival.

Each year this regatta takes place in different seas, but is always held at three stages sailing among 4 ports of different countries. Traditionally, the first stage of the Tall Ships' Races is sailing between two ports, the second one – a free sailing when the sailing ships do not compete, the crew-members are signed-in and off, the third one is competition to the last port. Any type and age sailing ships longer than 9.14 m are participating in the regatta, which are being divided into four classes: A class – all ships with transverse sails, longer than 40 m; B class – traditional sail vessels, shorter than 40 m; C class – modern sails ships, shorter than 40 m and without using spinnakers; D class – modern sails ships, using spinnakers.

On July 31–August 3 2009 first time in the history of Lithuania the worldwide regatta "The Tall Ships' Races Baltic 2009" will finish in Klaipėda. The vessels will start from Gdynia (Poland) and via St. Petersburg (Russia) and Turku (Finland) will sail to Klaipėda. The regatta and welcoming events will coincide with the traditional Sea Festival and the visitors of Klaipėda will be able to enjoy hundreds of ships with foreign flags.

Lithuania History FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: 1000th Anniversary of Lithuania
Date of Issue: 04 July 2009

Denominations:
3 Lt: The declaration of the Council of the Movement the Struggle for Freedom of Lithuania was accepted (1949).
3 Lt: "Chronicle of the Catholic Church of Lithuania" was launched illegal (1972).
3 Lt: The Lithuanian Reform Movement „Sąjūdis" was established (1988).
3 Lt: Lithuania signed the act of an independent state reconstruction (1990).
3 Lt: Lithuania became a member of the European Union (2004).
3 Lt: Lithuania joined into the Schengen Area (2007).

After losing its independence in the beginning of the World War II, Lithuania has spent five decades for fighting it back. In the beginning it was an armed fight, the principal purpose of which was restoration of independent democratic Lithuania, as announced in the declaration of the Council of the Movement of the Struggle for Freedom of Lithuania of the 16th of February 1949. However, the partisan movement could not win the victory against the army and repressive structures of a huge totalitarian state.

The armed resistance eventually was replaced by the passive opposition, which also included such activities as communicating the actual news from Lithuania to the world "behind the Iron Curtain". The information from the publication "Chronicle of the Catholic Church in Lithuania", which was launched on the 19th of March 1972, was transmitted to Lithuania through radio waves, constantly reminding the main purposes of the partisan movement.

The Lithuanian Reform Movement „Sąjūdis", established on the 3rd of June 1988, was the embodiment of the nation's expectations cherished for decades. On the 11th of March 1990 it brought the re-establishment of the independence of Lithuania.

After the collapse of USSR the process of Lithuania's return into free world and Europe started, the culmination of which was the joining of the European Union on the 1st of May 2004.

One of the most prominent manifestations of Lithuania's integration into the community of Europe was the entry into Schengen Area on 21st of December 2007, which allowed our citizens to move freely within many countries of Europe.

1000th Anniversary of Lithuania Series FDCs
2007, 2008, 2009.

Lithuania Song Festival FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: The Millennium Song Festival of Lithuania "Song of the Centuries"
Date of Issue: 27 June 2009

Denomination:
3,35Lt: The Fragment of a Spindle

The first Song Celebration was organised on the 23–25th of August 1924 in Kaunas, with participation of 86 choirs, about 3000 singers, which sang 36 songs. The second Song Celebration on the 1st of July 1928 and the third Song Celebration, which also took place in Kaunas on the 20th of June 1930 on the occasion of 500th anniversary of the death of Vytautas the Great, had 6000 participants each.

Since 1950 Lithuanian Song Celebrations were regularly organised every five years, and in 1985 the record number of participants gathered – 38856.

The tradition and symbolism of Song and Dance Celebrations of three Baltic States was nominated as Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on the 17th of November 2003.

On the 1–6th of July 2009 Millennium Song Celebration of Lithuania "Song of the Centuries" will take place in Vilnius. In the city during the festival there will be organised performances of folk song and folk dance ensembles, masters of folk handicrafts, amateur theatres, choirs, wind orchestras, folklore collectives. Special concert will close the Song Celebration on 6 July in Vingis Park. This concert will last three hours, during it the multi-thousand choir together with the audience will sing the most beautiful Lithuanian folk songs.

Comment: This FDC has 2 registered labels, I don't know what happened, it's the first time that I receive the Lithuania FDC like this.

Lithuania Museum FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: From the Stocks of Museums, Palanga Amber Museum
Date of Issue: 13 June 2009

Palanga Amber Museum is a branch of the Lithuanian Art Museum and was established on the 3rd of August 1963. The museum has about 29 thousand amber showpieces. Part of them, about 4,5 thousand are displayed in the exposition, which is renewed every year and supplemented with archaeological findings, amber inclusions and other valuable pieces. The exposition of the museum shows the history of amber formation, its global distribution, and ways of trade, processing and practical application. The visitors are mostly attracted by the collection of amber inclusions.

Denominations:
1.55Lt: The Estate of the Counts Tiškevičiai
This stamps shows the estate of Count Feliksas Tiškevičius, built in 1897, in which the Amber Museum is established. The estate palace in neo classicist style, also with features of renaissance, baroque and classicism is surrounded by large and beautiful Palanga Botanical Park.

1.55Lt: Sun Stone, 3524 gram
This stamp pictures the most prominent showpiece of the Amber Museum – "Saulės akmuo" ("Sun stone"), which is one of the largest pieces of amber in the world. The stone is almost round, in size equalling to the size of a man's head, dark yellow with some lighter spots in the areas where it has been polished.

From the Stocks of Museums Series FDCs:
2007 Trakai History Museum
2008 Rokiškis Regional Museum
2009 Palanga Amber Museum

Lithuania Synagogue FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: The Great Synagogue of Vilnius
Date of Issue: 23 May 2009

Denomination:
1,35 Lt: Building of The Great Synagogue of Vilnius
The Great Synagogue of Vilnius – the most important cultural and spiritual centre of Lithuanian Jews, which was widely known in the period from the end of XVI century until the middle of XX century.

This Jewish house of prayer surpassed in its size and splendour all the synagogues built in Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. It was built according to the all synagogue-building traditions, divided into separate sections for men and women, with special places for storing and reading Torah.

The edifice survived several attacks and fires, was heavily damaged during World War II. The Great Synagogue of Vilnius was demolished by soviet authority in 1955–1957. Part of the survived pieces of art and jewelleries are kept in Vilnius Gaon Jewish State Museum, including three authentic and priceless treasures of the Great Synagogue: a cartouche with precepts of the Lord from the aron kodesh of the Synagogue, a candlestick with a decorative vertical shield from the cantor's table, and a two-sided door from the aron kodesh.

Comment: It's a miracle, the address label lost during the way, but this FDC still reached to me.

Lithuania EUROPA FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: EUROPA 2009 - Astronomy
Date of Issue: 25 April 2009

Denominations:
2.45Lt: Galileo Galilei (1564 – 1642)
2.45Lt: The Astrophysical Investigations Were Initiated in Vilnius university Observatory in the Middle of the 19th C.

To commemorate 400 years of exploring the universe using astronomical telescopes, 2009 has been designated the International Year of Astronomy. Italian scientist Galileo Galilei was the first astronomer who turned the telescope to the sky in 1609. His astronomical observations and discoveries unleashed a scientific revolution that has virtually changed our perception of the universe and our place in it. 400 years later, astronomers explore celestial bodies with modern telescopes on Earth and in space in almost all wavelengths 24 hours per day.

Beginning of astrophysics, a branch of astronomy dealing with physical processes operating in stars and other celestial bodies is related to the development of photometric and spectroscopic techniques in the middle of the 19th century. Astronomers of Vilnius University Observatory were among the firsts who initiated astrophysical investigations at that time. Their research concentrated on the sun because of its brightness and its obvious importance to our lives. One of their main instruments used for systematic solar photography was G. M. Dallmeyer's photoheliograph.

EUROPA Series FDCs:
2009 Astronomy:
Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Slovakia.

2008 Letter:
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Vatican.

Lithuania Vilnius FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: Vilnius - European Capital of Culture
Date of Issue: 11 April 2009

Denomination:
2,15 Lt: Monument to Gediminas and Gediminas' Tower

Dozens of European cities have participated in the project European Capital of Culture launched in 1985 under the initiative of the European Commission. For 2009, the title of the European Capital of Culture has been awarded to Vilnius, the capital of the Republic of Lithuania, celebrating the Millennium Anniversary of the country's name.

Vilnius, one of the most beautiful capitals of European countries, has wonderful examples of architecture from the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classicism periods. Its Old Town, one of the largest urbanistic complexes in Eastern Europe, the origins of which are going back as far as the Middle Ages, was included into the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.

Lithuania Polar Regions FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: Preserve the Polar Regions and Glaciers
Date of Issue: 27 March 2009

If there were no the Earth's atmosphere, which transmits sunlight like a greenhouse but keeps the Earth surface warm, the sunlight, reflected by the Earth's surface, would instantly fade in the space. Gases accumulated in the atmosphere trap the heat given out by the Earth and cause the so-called greenhouse effect.

Power plants generating electricity and heat, vehicles, factories, and other activities of man increase the concentration of gasses around the Earth enhancing the greenhouse effect and leading to the increase in temperature and climate change.

The melting of polar ice caps, retreat of mountain glaciers, rising sea level, storms, floods, dry years, heat waves, and shortage of drinking water can be named as the consequences of climate change.

In order to stop climate change, it is necessary to reduce the emission of gases contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Postage stamps under the topic "Preserve the Polar Regions and Glaciers" dedicated to the problem of climate change will be issued in January–March by some tens countries, including Lithuania.

Preserve the Polar Regions and Glaciers FDCs:
Algeria, Estonia, Lithuania.

Lithuania Coats of Arms FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: Coats of Arms of Lithuania Towns
Date of Issue: 21 February 2009

Denominations:
1.35Lt: Krekenava
The locality was already known in the times of Vytautas the Great – since 1409. In 1416 was the centre of Upytės powiat (second-level unit of local government). The first church in Krekenava was built by Vytautas in 1419, after the christening of Žemaičiai. The settlement was mentioned as a town in 1561. The Church of Ascension of Holly Virgin Mary is famous for a miraculous painting of Mother of God in the central altar and for Žolinės festival. This church attracts most prayers from the northern and middle Lithuania. There are two symbols in the emblem of the town – in the blue shield background there are three silver lilacs, which symbolize Holly Mary, and underneath in the red field – golden kanklės (a Lithuanian plucked string musical instrument related to the zither) made by the local craftsmen.

1.35Lt: Pakruojis
Pakruojis was mentioned indirectly for the first time in the note of Trakai voivedeship, when it was allowed to establish a manor and town by a privilege. It is stated that the establishment of the town which was later was named Pakruojis took place approximately between 1525 and 1531. In 1613 the first church was built. The Pakruojis manor is an example of late Classicism architecture, the largest extant ensemble of manor’s buildings in Lithuania. In the end of XIX – beginning of XX century Pakruojis was the centre of a volost (traditional administrative subdivision in Lithuania) and after it became the regional centre in 1950, it was granted town rights. Emblem of this city – black arch bridge on the golden background over which there is a red shield with golden wind mill. The town distinguishes from others by its wind mills and a unique arch bridge in Lithuania, therefore these images were used in the emblem of Pakruojis.

3 Lt: Šalčininkai
Šalčininkai for the first time were mentioned in Duisburg chronicles in 1311. In 1410 the first church was built. In XV century this settlement was already a town, but it gained the town rights only in 1956. In 1882 the railway line Vilnius–Lyda was built, which went through Šalčininkai. In 1972 the regional centre was moved from Eišiškės to Šalčininkai. Emblem of the town consists of two parts. In the upper part of the shield there are two crossed keys in the blue background – keys of the apostle St. Peter – symbol of the Catholic land. In the lower part – red background – truss of nuts, this symbolizes the unity and brotherhood of various nations living in Šalčininkai.

Comment: My friend made 3 errors on this FDC, could you find out?

Lithuania Coats of Arms Series FDCs:
Joniškis; Jurbarkas; Širvintos
Krekenava; Pakruojis; Šalčininkai

Lithuania Church FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: Wooden Sacral Architecture of Lithuania and Wooden Church Belfries
Date of Issue: 21 February 2009

Denominations:
10 ct: The Church of Degučiai. 1757
20 ct: The Church of Inturkė. 1855
1,35 Lt: The Church of Šiaudinė. 1775

50 ct: Belfry of Tryškiai Church. 18c
1 Lt: Belfry of Šaukėnai Church. 18 c

Comment: Lithuania Post used special cancellation and official FDC for "Wooden Church Belfries" seires, But they didn't use them again this time, only a plain envelope and postmark. The "Wooden Sacral Architecture of Lithuania" Series just changed its year.

"Wooden Sacral Architecture of Lithuania" Definitive Series:
2008: 5 ct, 10 ct, 20 ct, 35 ct, 1.35 Lt, 1.55 Lt.
2009: 10 ct, 20 ct, 1.35 Lt.

"Wooden Church Belfries" Definitive Series:
2007: 5 ct, 35 ct, 1.35 Lt, 1.55 Lt, 2.15 Lt.
2009: 50 ct, 1,35 Lt.

Lithuania Celebrities FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: Famous People
Date of Issue: 17 January 2009

Denominations:
1,35 Lt: Jonas Žemaitis-Vytautas (1909-1954)
Jonas Žemaitis-Vytautas (March 15, 1909 in Palanga - November 26, 1954 in Moscow). One of the leaders of the post-war anti-Soviet armed resistance. He tried to centralise the armed underground forces throughout the Lithuania and form general leadership for partisans. In February 1949 he summoned a congress of the leaders of Lithuanian partisans and established a united resistance organisation - the Lithuanian Movement for Freedom (LMF). He was elected the Chair of Presidium of the LMF Council. Under this leadership, the main documents of the LMF were prepared (the political declaration of the LMF Council provided that the Council was the supreme political body of the nation leading its political and military struggle of resistance and striving for re-establishment of independent and democratic Republic of Lithuania). He contributed much in preparation and realization of the strategy and tactics of partisan fights, and in the re-establishment of the destroyed organizational structures of the LMF. J. Žemaitis was conferred the highest, General's, military rank. He was taken prisoner by the KGB, sentenced and shot in Butyrik Prison in Moscow.

2 Lt: Vaclovas Biržiška (1884-1956)
Vaclovas Biržiška (December 2, 1884 – January 3, 1956) was a Lithuanian attorney, bibliographer, and educator.

He was a member of a notable Lithuanian family; his great-grandfather Mykolas Biržiška was a representative in the Sejm when the Constitution of May 3 was accepted in 1791; his grandfather Leonardas Biržiška was an active participant in the November Uprising; and his brothers, Mykolas Biržiška and Viktoras Biržiška, were also leaders of the Lithuanian community. His father, the physician Antanas Biržiška, declined a professorship at the University of Moscow to practice medicine in the rural areas of Lithuania. More...

2,15 Lt: Mečislovas Reinys (1884-1953)
Mečislovas Reinys (1884 - 1953) was the Lithuanian Roman Catholic archbishop of the Vilnius, Minsk and Tiddi dioceses, a professor at Vytautas Magnus University, a Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and a social activist who publicly condemned racism and national hatred. Mečislovas Reinys was imprisoned by the Soviets after refusing to collaborate with the KGB and sent to Vladimir prison, where he died in 1953. More...

2008 Lithuania Famous People FDC
2009 Lithuania Famous People FDC

Lithuania Christmas FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: Holy Christmas and New Year
Date of Issue: 08 October 2008

Denominations:
1.35 Lt: Snowy Berries.
2.45 Lt: Snowy Branches

Comment: Because Lithuania is located in high latitude, firn is a very common scene in winter. I think many people, at low latitude, yearn this scene very much.

2009 Christmas FDCs:
Estonia, Israel, Lithuania.

2008 Christmas FDCs:
Canada: The Nativity, Canada: Winter Fun, Estonia, Italy, Lithuania.

2007 Christmas FDCs:
Estonia, Finland, Hong Kong, Japan, Lithuania, Ukraine, Vatican.

Lithuania Coats of Arms FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: Coats of Arms of Lithuania Towns
Date of Issue: 04 October 2008

Denominations:
1.35 Lt: Joniškis
The year 1523 is considered to be the date of Joniškis foundation, when the residents of the suburbs of Šiauliai rural district, being pagans, were baptized by the order of Vilnius Bishop John. Parishes were established in some settlements and one of them was named Joniškis. In 1526, a church was built in the settlement, and the year 1530 marks the opening of a primary school.

In 1616, Joniškis was granted the Magdeburg Rights and seal depicting St. Michael holding a sword. St. Michael is also depicted in the emblem of Joniškis.

1.35 Lt: Jurbarkas
For the first time Jurbarkas was mentioned in 1259 in the Chronicle of Peter of Dusburg when the Livonian Knights built the Georgenburg Castle. In 1430, a church was built in Jurbarkas. The rural district of Jurbarkas was mentioned in 1502; in 1611, the town was granted the Magdeburg Rights and emblem depicting three white lilies in a red shield.

Jurbarkas is famous for the longest transport bridge (496 m) in Lithuania. The bridge across the river Nemunas connects Jurbarkas with the Šakiai district.

3 Lt: Širvintos
Širvintos are known from the end of the 14th century. According to the legend, the name of the town was given after the river Širvinta. In 1475, a church was built and in 1746, Širvintos received the right to hold markets. In the 17th – 18th centuries, Širvintos was the centre of the subdistrict, at the end of the 19th century – the centre of the rural district, and since 1950 – the district centre.

The emblem of Širvintos depicts the head of an elk with branched horns and a sword symbolizing battles with enemies.

Comment: Coat of Arms is very popular in Europe, "Coat of Arms of the region", "Coat of Arms of the city" and "Coat of Arms of the family". Do you have your family's Coat of Arms? I haven't. lol

Lithuania Coats of Arms Series FDCs:
Joniškis; Jurbarkas; Širvintos
Krekenava; Pakruojis; Šalčininkai

Lithuania WWF FDCs

Lithuania FDCs
Name: European Roller - WWF
Date of Issue: 06 September 2008

Denomination:
1,35 Lt: European Roller perching on the branch
1,35 Lt: Flying European Roller
1,35 Lt: Twittering European Roller
1,35 Lt: European Roller with worm

European roller (Coracias garrulus) is a member of the roller family, one of the most beautiful Lithuanian birds, included into Lithuanian Red Book since 1989. Rollers are easily recognizable by their bright colours: body is teal blue, back and wings' feathers are brown and the rostrum is black. They come to Lithuania in the beginning of May and stay here till the end of August when the autumn migration of birds starts.

European rollers prefer lowland open countryside with mature pine woodland which have heathery clearings, outer woods, also homesteads with old tree groups, parks, sometimes forests of suburban areas, even alleys of the roadsides. They love sitting on dry branches. Rollers lay 3–4 eggs in the hollows made by woodpeckers, even in the nesting-boxes. The hatching lasts 18-19 days. Juveniles leave the nest after 4 weeks. Rollers feed on insects, grasshoppers, flies, and moths.

In Lithuania European rollers are rapidly becoming extinct. If this process continues as intensively as it was by now, these birds will become extinct in our country in the upcoming years.

Comment: I don't know whether the official FDC is a pre-cancelled FDC, do you find out? 2 upper stamps were not cancelled by special cancellation.

Lithuania Virgin Mary FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: 400th Anniversary of The Apparition of The Blessed Virgin Mary in Šiluva
Date of Issue: 30 August 2008

Denomination:
1,55 Lt: Blessed Virgin Mary with the Divine Child

The apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary occurred in 1608 or 1612. Children of the nearby village were shepherding their herd on the land where the church had formerly stood, when they saw a young woman standing on a large rock, holding a baby in her arms and weeping bitterly. One herds boy ran to Šiluva and told the Calvinist catechist about the apparition. The catechist called a teacher, named Solomon, to go with him and together they both approached the aforementioned rock. They also saw the young woman weeping, just as the children saw her. The man asked, "Why are you weeping?" She replied: "There was a time when my beloved Son was worshipped by my people here, but now they plough and sow on this very spot." The catechist and the teacher considered the vision to be the work of an evil spirit, but news of the apparition rapidly spread throughout the area. According to one story, an elderly blind man managed to find the place where the ironclad box containing the old church treasures had been hidden. When the box was dug up, he immediately regained his eyesight. More...

Comment: Because I know nothing about this religion, so I don't know how to comment it.