KYIV, UKRAINE
Under hot and humid conditions, the open house for the newly constructed Kyiv Ukraine Temple got underway Thursday, Aug. 5. "Historic" and "miraculous" were words used to describe events leading to the announcement and construction of the first temple in a former Soviet Union nation, and the 11th on the European continent.
"Complex" and "challenging" might better describe the monumental task of preparing for and hosting the temple open house. Under the able direction of Elder Gvido Senkans, Area Seventy and chairman of the temple open house committee, however, the work was accomplished and Church members were fully prepared to greet visitors with, among other things, an introductory film, tours and informational materials in six languages.
Language challenges aside, it was warmth that was communicated by the smiles and handshakes of the member hosts. One of the first guests to arrive was U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John F. Tefft and his wife, Mariella. Elder Gregory A. Schwitzer of the Seventy, accompanied by his wife, Sister Jo Ann Schwitzer, led the couple on a tour of the temple. As they conversed, they exchanged memorable stories of family and particularly of Mrs. Tefft's Italian genealogical research. At one point, the ambassador indicated that he and his wife would soon celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. Offering his congratulations, Elder Schwitzer responded that he and Sister Schwitzer would soon celebrate their 40th anniversary as well. This was one of several "coincidences" noted during the tour that invited the Spirit's testifying influence.
Following his tour, Ambassador Tefft was briefly interviewed by a reporter from BBC Radio Ukraine.
The Spirit's presence was reflected in comments from other guests who visited the open house.
Visitors wrote many comments about the positive feelings they experienced during their visit to the open house.
"We're grateful for this wonderful day that gave us the opportunity to lose ourselves in this Holiness to God," wrote one visitor. "Thank you for the excellent tour about the House of the Lord."
Another guest wrote, "Having attended the Temple open house ceremonial activity, I was favorably impressed. I learned so much new about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, about its noble work. We had useful discussions with the leaders of the Church. We are thankful to the organizers for the wonderful meeting and presentation. We wish you success in your work for the people's benefit."
Some visitors commented on the beauty of the temple, as well as how it struck spiritual chords: "It's light and spacious. There's a feeling of someone's presence. It disposes to calmness and perception. I liked it very much," one guest noted. Another wrote, "The temple is wonderful. The aura is delightful."
"It's very beautiful. One can feel peacefulness," was one of the comments.
"Everything is calm, comfortable; it sets to the right mood," wrote one guest.
The open house helped inform visitors about the Church and its teachings. After the tour, one visitor wrote, "Everything is rather impressive. Some of the myths have been dispelled."
Many wrote about their personal feelings after having visited the temple, which one described as "beautiful, divine and joyous."
Before leaving the temple grounds, one visitor paused to write, "I'm grateful for the opportunity to touch the holiness of so many people. This event in my life is magnificent and joyous!"
Another guest wrote, "I congratulate the Church members and Kyiv residents on the temple opening. There's a feeling of the House of the Lord Jesus Christ. Everything is calm, comfortable, it sets to the right mood. Thank you."
Numerous dignitaries from the media, local and national government, academic institutions and business attended during the first few days of the open house. A large group of religious scholars from the region, in Kyiv for a BYU-sponsored seminar on religious freedom, attended as well on Aug. 7. The open house continues daily through Saturday, Aug. 21, except Sundays.
