Public invited to tour new Phnom Penh temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is inviting the public to visit the newly completed Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple, marking the first Latter-day Saint temple in the Kingdom of Cambodia. The temple’s open house period begins on Saturday, 15 August 2026, and continues until Saturday, 22 August 2026, excluding Sundays. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the temple’s interior and grounds and learn about its significance as a sacred house of worship. The open house schedule includes Saturday tours on 15 and 22 August from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., while weekday tours take place from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday, 17–21 August. On Sunday, 16 August, no tours will be available. The temple is situated on Russian Federation Boulevard, Phnom Penh, at address 12040, occupying a 1.3-hectare site. Admission is free, and no advance registration is required. Further details can be found at the official website. Elder Eng Bunhuoch, an Area Seventy and senior leader of the Church in Cambodia, expressed his enthusiasm for the temple, stating that it stands as a testament to the enduring faith of Cambodian members. He emphasized that the temple serves as a focal point for spiritual growth and described it as more than just a building, it is a sacred space representing the Church’s commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the eternal nature of families. He encouraged all visitors to come, learn, and walk alongside them in their holy temple, experiencing what he calls “heaven on earth” and feeling the presence of divine love. Following the open house, the temple will undergo formal dedication on Sunday, 30 August 2026. During this time, the temple will remain accessible to the public, though entry into the temple itself will be limited to faithful members of the Church after the dedication. The temple is expected to serve approximately 18,000 members of the Church in Cambodia and extend its reach to parts of Vietnam. The architectural style of the Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple draws upon traditional Khmer design elements and cultural heritage, featuring a central spire flanked by four smaller spires. The temple was announced by Church President Russell M. Nelson on 7 October 2018, with groundbreaking ceremonies held on 18 September 2021. The dedicatory prayer was delivered by Cambodia Phnom Penh Mission President Veasna Kuonno Neang. Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints function differently from meetinghouses or chapels, which host weekly worship services. Instead, each temple is regarded as a House of the Lord, where sacred ceremonies reinforce the teachings of Jesus Christ and strengthen family bonds. Within these temples, members gain deeper insights into the purpose of life, including understanding origins before birth, reasons for being on Earth, and what lies beyond death. Members also make solemn promises to follow Jesus Christ and to serve others. This new temple represents a milestone for the Church in Cambodia, offering a unique opportunity for the public to engage with its religious practices and historical legacy. As the open house period unfolds, the community is anticipated to witness a blend of tradition and modernity, reflecting both local culture and global faith.
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