This past weekend, the Kyiv Ukraine temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was dedicated by President Thomas S. Monson. Mormons in the area are thrilled; before now they had to travel for hours (in the range of about 30) to attend the nearest temple in Germany. The new temple will serve about 31,000 people living in nine countries in Europe. (Read more about what happens at a temple dedication.)
You can enjoy several photos from the temple open house and dedication, or take a virtual walk inside the Kyiv Ukraine temple with the following video that includes both exterior and interior photos of the temple.
Read more about why temples are so important to Mormons.
View more photos of the inside of several other temples, as well as read more about the ceremonies performed in Mormon temples.
Photo © 2010 Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Nothing is worse than you guys coming into an already Christian country and converting a few Ukrainians.
I worked at the US embassy in Kiev and you people caused more trouble for US foreign policy makers who had to constantly answer to Ukrainian complaints of US religious attempts at domination. And that at a time we were trying to get the Ukrainians allied with the US on issues involving Russia.
Thanks for nothing. Have some real guts and go to a Islamic country and try to convert.
I am sorry you had such a bad experience with the Temple building process.
In this video, members in Kyiv and neighboring countries express their gratitude in having a temple close to them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXXpHA98q7E
We do have members living in Islamic countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia, but since we believe in obeying the law, they are forbidden to proselytize. We believe it is our charge to bring the gospel message to all the world but have no expectation or desire for domination.
Try,
I just wanted to reiterate what Janelle said — that we have no desire for domination. We actually acknowledge that many people won’t want to hear our message, and we respect that.
I think something in her comment is also important…that the temples that we are building are for our people who live in various countries. It brings something important to us closer to Mormons around the world; temples are an essential part of our worship.
Another something I wanted to point out is that we do this even in countries where Christianity already exists because our purpose isn’t just about converting people to Christianity in general. The message we share is for Christians, too.
I, too, am sorry that you had a negative experience with the temple building process. I hope you can help people try to understand that we aren’t trying to dominate anyone or force our religion on anyone, just to share with those who want to hear, and support those who have chosen this path for their lives.
~Michelle, MW Editor