Article | - 9:13 pm
The Temple of Solomon in São Paulo, Brazil, Marked Its Tenth Anniversary With a Series of Events
The Temple of Solomon in São Paulo, Brazil, marked its tenth anniversary, with events held between July 22nd and 31st, 2024. During these ten days, the Temple, which serves as the world headquarters of The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, welcomed 259,900 visitors.
The highlight of the celebrations occurred on July 28th with a ceremony led by Bishop Edir Macedo. Among the attendees were São Paulo’s Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, Mayor Ricardo Nunes, as well as the governors of Minas Gerais, Romeu Zema; Rio de Janeiro, Cláudio Castro; and Amazonas, Wilson Lima.
Ambassadors and consuls from various countries also attended, including Daniel Zonshine of Israel, Guillermo Valles of Uruguay, José Pedro Chantre D’Oliveira of Cape Verde, and Mbapeua Muvangua of Namibia, as well as the consuls general of Israel, Rafael Erdreich, and Uruguay, Marta Beatriz Echarte Baraibar. The event also had the presence of the Brazilian military, business leaders, journalists, and artists.
The surrounding area received support from the Military Police to manage the influx of visitors. In addition, around 1,800 volunteers assisted attendees, guiding those arriving. Representatives from 100 countries across various continents joined the celebration.
The Temple of Solomon, one of Brazil’s largest religious spaces, spans 100,000 square meters and can accommodate 10,000 seated individuals in the Sanctuary, with an additional 3,000 in the external Esplanade area. The structure, inspired by the Bible, was constructed in 2014. It is clad in nearly 40,000 square meters of stones imported from Israel and features ancient trees on its grounds. Over 30.6 million people have passed through its golden gates, and approximately 390,000 have toured the Biblical Garden.
The ten-day celebration began on Monday, July 22nd, with the ‘Night of Great Dreams’ attended by 31,400 people. Bishop Edir Macedo opened the event, emphasizing the importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of individuals.
Night of Salvation, July 24th, 2024
On Tuesday, July 23rd, nearly 16,700 people attended meetings titled ‘Miracles in the Temple.’ The following day, Wednesday, July 24th, the ‘Night of Salvation’ drew 21,500 attendees. Bishop Clodomir Santos focused on the power of faith to solve life’s problems.
Singles’ Hour and Couples’ Night
Thursday, July 25th, offered couples and singles a chance to delve deeper into relationships during the ‘Couples’ Night,’ led by Bishop Renato Cardoso and his wife, Cristiane Cardoso. Simultaneously, the ‘Special Singles’ Hour’ on the Esplanade received more than 19,100 participants.
On Friday, July 26th, Bishop Adilson Silva conducted the ‘Purification of the Temple’ for 18,300 attendees, stressing the need for inner spiritual cleansing to welcome the Holy Spirit.
FJU Next Generation, July 27th, 2024
Saturday, July 27th, began with the ‘Fast of Wonders.’ Later that day, nearly 40,000 youths filled the Esplanade for ‘FJU Next Generation’ (also known as Youth Power Group), where Bishop Macedo and his wife, Ester Bezerra, spoke, along with Bishop Celso Júnior. The FJU Music Band added to the lively atmosphere.
Sunday, July 28th, 2024
Sunday, July 28th, featured two messages of faith led by Bishop Macedo, drawing a combined audience of 47,500. The day’s final ceremony was attended by various political, military, legal, business, and media personalities from Brazil and abroad. The Temple’s Choir, accompanied by an orchestra, provided musical performances.
Sunday, July 28th, 2024
On Monday, July 29th, Bishop Macedo returned at 3 AM (Time in Brazil) for a vigil aimed at those seeking the Holy Spirit. The day also included two services with Bishop Jadson Santos, titled ‘Night of Restitution,’ dedicated to recovering lost blessings, which drew 27,200 attendees.
Tuesday, July 30th, featured the ‘Life in Color’ event, focusing on the fight against depression, led by Bishop Júlio Freitas and attended by nearly 16,400 people.
Changing of the Flags, July 31st
The festivities culminated on Wednesday, July 31st, with the ‘Go’ ceremony and the Changing of the Flags, where the flags of the 148 countries where The Universal Church operates were raised. This number has grown from 110 countries at the Temple’s inauguration in 2014. The ceremony included a performance by the São Paulo Youth Orchestra.
Bishop Renato Cardoso, followed by Bishop Edir Macedo and his wife, Ester Bezerra, addressed the crowd inside and outside the Sanctuary. The event was broadcast live on large screens for those in the Esplanade and on TV. The final day attracted 22,200 participants.
In July 2024, the Temple of Solomon was recognized as one of São Paulo’s 17 official tourist attractions. Mayor Ricardo Nunes, who attended the ceremony on July 28th, enacted Law 18,154.
The Temple of Solomon is located at Avenida Celso Garcia, 605, in the Brás neighborhood of São Paulo.
