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KYIV, Ukraine -- President Thomas S. Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is in Ukraine this weekend to dedicate an historic new temple in the country.
Thousands of Church members gathered for a cultural celebration Saturday. They sang and danced in traditional costumes to express their joy over the new Kyiv temple.
President Monson told Church members that even though the faith was introduced in the country in 1991, their new temple is a statement of growth and confidence in them.
"It shines as a beacon of righteousness to all who follow its light," he said.
To see the people, feel the people, feel their love, their testimony -- it's just a miracle.
–President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Young people from nine countries in the temple district, which includes Eastern Russia, Moldova and others in the former Soviet Bloc, traveled thousands of miles to attend.
"It's the first temple in Ukraine and it's just a great opportunity," said Sasha Shtogarenko, a performer in the cultural celebration. "I'm glad that I could take advantage of it."
Another performer, Victoria Goloshchuk, was thrilled to have the opportunity to perform for the prophet. "I feel honored to be part of this and I'm so glad the young people are able to participate in this celebration [and] that President Monson's going to be here," she said.
Church leaders say the temple is a miracle.
"To see the people, feel the people, feel their love, their testimony -- it's just a miracle," said President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the Church's First Presidency. "It's just wonderful to be here. How much we're grateful for President Monson, for the love he expended tonight to these people."
Sunday, President Monson will lead three dedicatory services in the capitol city's newest landmark.
This is the first LDS temple built in Eastern Europe. It is the Church's 134th operating temple worldwide and the 11th in Europe. The temple was announced in 1998 and ground was broken for its construction in 2007.
The temple will serve close to 31,000 members of the faith beginning Aug. 30.
Ukrainian Latter-day Saints have had cause for celebration more than once this week. They joined millions of their fellow countrymen to honor the 19th year of independence from Russia.
That also meant a resurgence of faith and a reopening of and protection for their beautiful Orthodox cathedrals and monasteries. Latter-day Saint missionaries were also permitted to proselyte, helping the Church to grow to more than 11,000 members in Ukraine and more than 31,000 in surrounding nations.
E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com
