1 / 2

The Kyiv Ukraine Temple is 33,000 square feet and also has a meetinghouse on the property.

Courtesy Intellectual Reserve

2 / 2

A nighttime view of the Kyiv Ukraine Temple.

Courtesy Intellectual Reserve

❮ ❯

In February, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced it would be temporarily closing the Kyiv Ukraine Temple, not because of COVID but due to the mounting concerns of the conflict with Russia.

Just one month earlier, the church evacuated all full-time missionaries from the two missions in Ukraine to other locations “out of an abundance of caution.”

While the war with Russia has continued to escalate over the summer, some members have relocated to safety in other countries.

To help strengthen its members in Ukraine, the church announced it reopened the temple Friday.

“Earlier this year, the Kyiv Temple was temporarily closed. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has carefully evaluated the current circumstances and decided to resume — on a limited basis — the sacred religious ceremonies in the temple. Church members are able to make appointments to participate in temple ceremonies, which began October 14, 2022,” the church statement said.

The Kyiv temple is the 134th working temple in the church. It was dedicated in August 2010 by President Thomas S. Monson.

There is also a chapel on the temple grounds. Neither of the two buildings have received damage from the bombing, though some destruction reportedly has been felt in nearby villages from the current fighting.

Until September 1991, there were only about 40 members of the church in Ukraine. It was President Dallin H. Oaks, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Elder Boyd K. Packer, of the same Quorum, who dedicated Ukraine for missionary work.

“Living the gospel not only changed their lives but also transformed the Church. Branches of the Church were established in nearly every major city. Attending the temple in Germany, the Saints found spiritual strength in making covenants with God. In 2004 the first stake (similar to a diocese) of the Church in eastern Europe was organized in Kyiv,” according to church historical documents.

The temple in Kyiv was the first to be built in what was formerly known as the Soviet Union.

As of December 2021, Ukraine had 11,216 members meeting in 46 wards or branches. There are two stakes, two missions, the temple and 35 family history centers.

Newsletter