As the war continues to rage in Ukraine, many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have wondered how the Church and its members are faring in Ukraine. Kyiv Ukraine Temple. One question that’s been asked repeatedly is if the Kyiv Ukraine Temple has managed to escape the bombardments on the city. This week we spoke with someone who was able to visit the temple grounds and take photographs of the temple.
The Kyiv Ukraine Temple closed back in February 2022 due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite bombings and fighting in and around Kyiv, both the temple and the meeting house located on the grounds remain undamaged.
According to the official page for the Kyiv Temple on churchofjesuschrist.org, due to the continuing conflict in Ukraine the temple remains closed and has suspended operations until further notice.
Announced in 1998, the temple was open to the public for a two-week open house from 7–21 August 2010. The temple was dedicated on 29 August 2010 by church president Thomas S. Monson. The Kiev Ukraine temple was the 134th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide, the Church’s first in Eastern Europe, and the 11th overall on the European continent.
The person we spoke with in Kyiv said that Church meetings for the area are still continuing over Zoom. However, only three members of his branch still physically reside in the area. The rest are scattered throughout western Ukraine, Europe, and the United States.
Kyiv Ukraine Temple still standing as the Russian onslaught continues
Church condemns armed conflict in Ukraine
The First Presidency of the Church broke its silence after releasing a statement to plead with world leaders.
We are heartbroken and deeply concerned by the armed conflict now raging. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has members in each of the affected areas and throughout the world. Our minds and hearts have been turned toward them and all our brothers and sisters.
We continue to pray for peace. We know that enduring peace can be found through Jesus Christ. He can calm and comfort our souls even in the midst of terrible conflicts. He taught us to love God and our neighbors.
We pray that this armed conflict will end quickly, that the controversies will end peacefully and that peace will prevail among nations and within our own hearts. We plead with world leaders to seek for such resolutions and peace.
