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The Lithuania Philatelic Society (LPS) was founded in 1946 in Chicago, Illinois. It is bilingual organization (English and Lithuanian). The Society's journals, illustrated and comprehensive in scope, contain articles in both languages with translated summaries. Society's activities, news items, new stamp and cover issues of Lithuania, as well as other short articles are written in both languages side-by-side. During the last 20 years 31 journals have been issued, varying from 40 to 130 pages each. All other Society's publications, such as exhibition programs and cachets, are issued primarily in English.
We currently have 150 active members of various ethnic origins, but predominantly Lithuanian. Most of the members reside in the United States, but we also have members in Europe (Lithuania, France, Germany), Canada, Japan and Australia. We hold membership meetings in Chicago at least once a year usually in March or November. The Officers of the Society and members of the Exhibition Committee meet as the need arises.
The Society sponsors LITHPEX (an acronym of Lithuanian Philatelic Exhibition) events. The last exhibition, LITHPEX XXX was held on April 25-27, 2008, at the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture in Chicago, Illinois.
The Exhibition commemorated three events:
1. Lithuania's 1000th Anniversary.
2. The 60th Anniversary of the Lithuania Philatelic Society.
3. 400 Years since the Apparition of St. Mary at Siluva, Lithuania.
In anticipation of LITHPEX XXX, early in the spring of 2008, the Society designed and issued three different personalized US stamps on the Lithuanian theme. This was the first such event in the Society's 62-year history. We printed three covers with caches identical to those appearing on the personalized US stamps. We also designed the corresponding three USPS show cancels.
April 25, 2008, was the issuance day of a cover and a US stamp, in recognition of Lithuania's 1000th anniversary and its first baptism, both events taking place in 1009. The cachet and the stamp portray a fresco by 17th Century artist M. A. Polloni at the Pažaislis church in Kaunas. The fresco, titled The Baptism of King Netimeras, marks an important event in that Lithuania's name was first mentioned in Europe's annals as well as the first baptism - both in 1009.
April 26, 2008, was dedicated to the issuance of a cover and a US stamp, marking the 60th anniversary of the Lithuania Philatelic Society (LPS). Its 60th anniversary occured in 2006. However, there was no LITHPEX exhibition during that year, hence the celebration of this jubilee was postponed until this show. During its 62-year history the LPS organized 30 philatelic exhibitions, issued 236 bulletins/journals, two retrospective historical issues, over 100 special and show covers, Lithuania and Memel stamp albums, silver and bronze 50th year commemorative medals, many hand stamps and commemorative labels.
April 27, 2008, was the issuance day of a cover and a US stamp to mark the 400th anniversary of the apparition of St. Mary at Siluva, Lithuania. This apparition strengthened the catholic religion in Lithuania and was the start of the cult to revere St. Mary as the Mother of God.
Forty-six standard frames were displayed at LITHPEX XXX. Twenty nine frames comprised the Philatelic Section exhibits. The Numismatic Section consisted of 17 standard frames and 4 cases.
The Award Presentation banquet took place at the Amber Room of the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture. All exhibitors received personalized cherrywood plaques with the name and the award engraved on a brass plate. A 24-page show program catalog was issued.
In 1997 the LPS published a comprehensive book, titled "LPS - 50 YEARS." This historical 96-page illustrated publication, issued in hard and soft covers, depicts important events in the life of the Society. The text and captions are written in both English and Lithuanian languages. We also minted a 50-year commemorative medal (2-inch diameter) in silver and bronze.
Since August 1995 the LPS is an Affiliate of the American Philatelic Society (Affiliate #223).
We closely cooperate with other philatelic societies and participate in each other's exhibitions. This includes the Polonus Philatelic Society and the Ukrainian Philatelic and Numismatic Society. Many of our members belong to the American Philatelic Society.
Should you be interested
in joining the LPS, please request an application form either from the President
or by printing the online form available
here. The annual membership fee is $ 20.00
in the US and Canada, $ 25.00 for overseas members. Journals are included in the annual fee.
Aside from our USA managed website, you can view our Lithuanian managed site at http://www.filatelija.lt/lps/
OFFICERS OF THE LITHUANIA PHILATELIC SOCIETY
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President |
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Vice-President I |
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Vice-President II
Violeta Rutkauskiene 2833 Grove Ave Waukegan IL 60085 |
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Secretary |
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Treasurer
Jerome Gaizutis 5703 Woodland Drive, Western Springs IL 60558 |
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Journal Editor
(since Jan 2010) Audrius Brazdeikis |
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Journal Administrator
Jerome Gaizutis |
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APS Representative
John Variakojis |
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Liaison in Lithuania
Vytautas Gaiziunas Silo 6 - 9, 10322 Vilnius Lithuania |
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Misc. functions
Jonas Krutulis |
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Auditors. |