BAHÁ'Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP

LIVE

Official Dedication of the House of Worship via YouTube

Live Streaming May 25, 2024 Stream Live

Welkam | Welcome

Papua New Guinea’s Bahá’í House of Worship

LIVE

Official Dedication of the House of Worship via Facebook

Live Streaming May 25, 2024 Stream Live
Papua New Guinea

Dedication Ceremony

May 25, 2024

Due to space restrictions of the site, attendance to the Dedication Ceremony is by invitation only.

The House of Worship will be open for general public and organised tours from 27th May 2024. Refer to the calendar for more information.

Unsure how to get here?

Insights from the Field

Pursuing Social Action Insights from Papua New Guinea

November 28, 2023

A core principle that guides Bahá’í social action initiatives in nation building is that for enduring change to take place, a population must take charge of their own spiritual and material progress.  This podcast explores insights from grassroots experience where Bahá’ís are learning to traverse common socio-economic challenges in education, agriculture, resolving tribal tensions and community governance.

Wish to book an informative tour?

The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.

- Bahá'í Holy Writings

Haus Lotu bilong yumi olgeta | A House of Worship for All

The Bahá’í House of Worship welcomes everyone to visit. It is a space that seeks to sincerely promote unity and fellowship amongst people of all tribes and ethnicities, all denominations, ages, religious belief or non-belief and cultural backgrounds. Within the House of Worship all are welcome to commune with God through reverent prayer and meditation or quiet personal reflection.

It is the Bahá’í Community’s enduring hope that this safe and reverent space will inspire all who visit to contribute actively towards the betterment of our entire society with the spirit of service.

Reverent Prayer & Meditation
Sacred & Holy Scripture from All Religions
Free Admission, No Offerings
No Sermons or Speeches
Strength In Unity & Diversity

The House of Worship design honours our rich cultural tapestry, the most diverse in the world and connotes coming together as one people, united.

The architectural design was inspired by the traditional craft of weaving –  embodying the process of building unity in diversity, strength in collaboration.  Each individual strand rising from below and coalescing to form something infinitely stronger.  Ultimately the beauty of the whole edifice draws intimately from each individual strand.

In reality all are members of one human family — children of one Heavenly Father. Humanity may be likened unto the vari-colored flowers of one garden. There is unity in diversity. Each sets off and enhances the other’s beauty.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Worship & Service

Service and worship are at the heart of the pattern of community life that Bahá’ís in Papua New Guinea and around the world are striving to bring into being. They are two distinct, yet inseparable elements that evolve and grow as the life of the community continues to advance and mature. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá writes:

“Success and prosperity depend upon service and worship of God”.

The concept of service is central to the pattern of Bahá’í life, both individual and collective. “God has given us eyes, that we may look about us at the world, and lay hold of whatsoever will further civilisation and the arts of living… Senses and faculties have been bestowed upon us, to be devoted to the service of the general good; so that we, distinguished above all other forms of life for perceptiveness and reason, should labour at all times and along all lines, whether the occasion be great or small, ordinary or extraordinary, until all mankind are safely gathered into the impregnable stronghold of knowledge”.

The integration of devotion and service finds expression in the Institution of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, or “The Dawning Place of the Mention of God”.  The House of Worship is the central structure of this institution and the focal point of worship.  Over time this will expand towards the vision of dependency services dedicated to the provision of education, healthcare and others concerned with the social and economic progress of the whole community.

Place of Worship for All

“It is a place for the deepest contemplation on spiritual reality and foundational questions of life, including individual and collective responsibility for the betterment of society.”

The Universal House of Justice

The House of Worship serves as a universal place of worship to God, for prayer, meditation and reflection. It is open and welcoming to all people.  Men and women, children and youth, are all considered as equals.

In this peaceful place individuals can pray silently and reflect personally to seek spiritual nourishment or partake in collective devotion. There are no sermons or speeches.  It is free from rituals and ceremonies and guests are welcome to reverently meditate on Sacred Writings from any of the religious faiths of the world.

A Precious Gift

The Bahá’í House of Worship is a precious gift for the benefit of our whole society.

In 2012, the Universal House of Justice announced that the favourable conditions of the national community in Papua New Guinea coupled with the continuous nation building efforts rendered country-wide were ‘nothing short of remarkable’ and have paved the way for the raising of a national Bahá’í House of Worship.

Weaving | Traditional Custom, Architectural Inspiration

Whilst reverently experiencing the House of Worship and its gardens, visitors will observe how weaving, an essential traditional practice that has diverse and unique cultural expressions all throughout PNG is intimately integrated throughout the exterior and interior facades.

Learn more about the architectural design inspiration as well as the collaborative efforts to raise this historic edifice by exploring the links below:

A Handcrafted Labour of Love

Many aspects of the House of Worship have been rendered by the care and craftsmanship of volunteers, labourers and diverse members of the community.  Click or hover on the images below to learn about how, despite the contextual challenges, many hands have come together in the spirit of service to collaboratively raise this handcrafted labour of love.

“Craftsmanship is a book among the books of divine sciences, and a treasure among the treasures of His heavenly wisdom.”

Bahá’í Holy Writings

The inner walls of the House of Worship have been carefully hand woven by volunteers from neighbouring communities.

Approximately 60km of white-coated aluminium strips cohere beautifully to make the full surface of the interior walls.

The perforated surface area of the inner walls perfectly address the acoustic-engineering requirement to soften the echo within the space and enhance the experience of choral harmony which is a vital feature of the collective devotional programs.

The surrounding gardens of the House of Worship have been lovingly prepared and tended by community volunteers who live across the National Capital District, Port Moresby.  From old to young, men and women – more than 150 volunteers joyfully and generously gave their time over many long and hot days.

Residing in neighbourhoods such as ATS, Tokarara, Hohola, Gordons, Boroko, Waigani, Gerehu, Morata and others, the volunteers represented the diversity of our country. Characterised by a selfless desire to beautify the green spaces so these surroundings may warmly welcome and inspire all visitors, these sincere efforts are a precious testament to the power of collective action for the betterment of our whole society.

The 9 majestic entrances to the House of Worship are adorned with recycled timber that has been expertly hand carved by 20 master carvers. The final pattern of the carving is symbolic of flowing ripples gently emanating from the central edifice to its surroundings.

“The acquisition of sciences and the perfection of arts are considered acts of worship”

Bahá’í Holy Writings

All 9 entrances are adorned with 387m² of donated, sustainably sourced timber hardwood, Chengal.

Although PNG’s native Kwila, which is highly regarded  for its durability and construction qualities was considered in the early design phase, it was not selected due to its endangered status.

The outer facade of the House of Worship is inspired by the traditional craft of weaving. A significant, yet deceptively simple “pasin tumbuna” or cultural practice which holds a deep sense of home and traditional values passed between generations.

“You must become distinguished for loving humanity, for unity and accord, for love and justice. In brief, you must become distinguished in all the virtues of the human world—for faithfulness and sincerity, for justice and fidelity, for firmness and steadfastness, for philanthropic deeds and service to the human world, for love toward every human being, for unity and accord with all people, for removing prejudices and promoting international peace”.

Bahá’í Holy Writings

Featured Events

House of Worship | Mon-Fri

Weekdays (Mon-Fri) General Public Welcome (from 27th May 2024)
6:30 AM - 7:30 PM (PGT)
Featured Events

House of Worship | Sat-Sun

Weekends (Sat/Sun) General Public Welcome (from 27th May 2024)
6:00 AM - 7:30 PM (PGT)

Calendar

The following sessions are outlined for general reference. Changes to the schedule may happen without notice.  Please click the item below to learn more about each scheduled event.

All Scheduled Events
Weekdays (Mon-Fri) General Public Welcome (from 27th May 2024)
House of Worship | Mon-Fri
6:30 AM - 7:30 PM (PGT)
Weekends (Sat/Sun) General Public Welcome (from 27th May 2024)
House of Worship | Sat-Sun
6:00 AM - 7:30 PM (PGT)

Wish to visit or learn more?

From the 27th May 2024, the House of Worship will be open for the general public. Please see the Calendar for scheduled programs.

Should you wish to request an informative group tour or dignitary visit please feel free to connect with us to make arrangements.

A Historic Journey of Memorable Milestones

The steadfast dedication by so many in raising PNG’s House of Worship is a testament to the power of cooperation between diverse people, working together in a spirit of service with a vast array of complimentary and varying levels of skills, expertise as well as cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Whilst the journey has been long and at times arduous, we commemorate some memorable milestones along this historical path which we continue to walk together.

1994-95 | Licenses and 99 Year State Lease Granted
During this period, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís Read More

During this period, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of PNG were granted initial licenses to prepare the land and the 99 year State Lease.

2012 | Initial Global Announcement of the PNG House of Worship
In its annual Ridván Message, the Universal House of Justice Read More

In its annual Ridván Message, the Universal House of Justice formally announces to the global community that a national House of Worship will be raised in Papua New Guinea.

2013-2014 | Considerations for an appropriate site
During this period, the National Spiritual Assembly considered sites for Read More

During this period, the National Spiritual Assembly considered sites for the House of Worship all over the country.  Some Bahá’í communities were generous in offering parts of their customary land as an option.  After much consultation, the Institutions ultimately selected the site adjacent to the National Headquarters already under the care of the national Bahá’í Community since the early nineties.

2016-2017 | Appointment of Architects and Conceptual Design Process Commences
Through a highly considered and thorough tendering process involving international Read More

Through a highly considered and thorough tendering process involving international and domestic candidates, the National Spiritual Assembly appoint Mr Henry Lape and Mr Saeed Granfar as the co-Architects for this unique and historical project.

2018 | Approved Architectural Design Revealed and Commemorated
21 March 2018, coinciding with the Bahá’í Naw Ruz (New Read More

21 March 2018, coinciding with the Bahá’í Naw Ruz (New Year) Celebrations, the final approved architectural design of the House of Worship is unveiled to a gathering of 500 by the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, Mr Confucius Ikoirere and early Bahá’í pioneer to PNG, Mr Rodney Hancock.  Read more

2019 | Building Board Approvals
In August 2019 after navigating the formalities and due process, Read More

In August 2019 after navigating the formalities and due process, the requisite approvals by the National Capital District Commission Building Board were granted.

The detailed construction design phase drew on the expertise of consultants across four continents – including highly respected local structural engineer, the late Mr. Ian Gapi, as well as the Europe-based structural design office of Werkstudio. Numerous specialists were involved in the preparation of wind-, acoustic-, thermal- and lighting simulations, which informed the design process.

2019 | Final Community Devotions Pre-Construction Phase
Since the announcement years earlier, Bahá’ís had been regularly visiting Read More

Since the announcement years earlier, Bahá’ís had been regularly visiting the site of the planned House of Worship for personal and collective devotional gatherings.  In 2019, prior to the commencement of construction and characterised by a sense of excitement and reverence, the final community devotional gathering was held with some 150 Bahá’ís and their friends from across the Port Moresby community.

2019 | A Humble Ground Breaking Ceremony
Members of the Institutional Governing bodies for the Bahá’ís including Read More

Members of the Institutional Governing bodies for the Bahá’ís including the National Spiritual Assembly as well as the Continental Board of Counsellors gathered early in the morning for a reverent devotional gathering to mark a simple yet significant  milestone of the ground breaking of the House of Worship.

2019-2024 | Complex Construction Experience
The process of construction was characterised by dedication, learning and Read More

The process of construction was characterised by dedication, learning and perseverance.  A diverse and complimentary range of expertise has ensured progress has defied many contextual challenges including the COVID era.

Critically, there was much focus and effort to prioritise local labour and contractors as well as domestic supply of material as much as feasible.  Further, if applicable, capacity building through hands-on accompaniment and training by specialists was a key priority for the duration of the build.

The local labour team ranging between 20-30 construction workers from different regions of PNG were hired full time to raise this historic milestone.

Many aspects of the central edifice had to be custom made in-country.  The dedication and care to resolve many bespoke elements are testament to the labour of love that characterises so many efforts throughout this project.

2019-2024 | Private Sector Support
Due to the nature of the architectural design, some elements Read More

Due to the nature of the architectural design, some elements of the build required specialist technology, knowledge or experience.  With deep gratitude, we acknowledge that many local and  international contractors – of their own accord, have opted to support the project with aspects of their expertise in-kind or at less than commercial rates.  Some examples are outlined below.

Significant contributions were made by PNG expertise in engineering, geotechnics, protective coatings, electrical and welding quality control amongst others.  Further, notable support also came from locally based suppliers across sectors in industrial fabrication, carpentry, joinery and hardware.

Each stage of the project has been overseen and managed by the client-representative team comprised of Australian and Malaysian professionals in the property and development sector, selflessly dedicated to the overall operational success of the project.

The quartzite tiling within the central edifice and its surrounding stairs were carefully laid by a professional team from New Zealand, who were supported by several of the local construction team members. The accompanying local team members then continued to apply their newly acquired skills for several months after the international crew’s departure, until tiling works were concluded.

Many vital components required for the specialised irrigation system covering the rocky terrain were generously offered by Israeli agricultural experts.

The foundation and steel superstructure were expertly managed by a globally respected contractor from China – one of the largest in the world – who has also contributed to other high quality landmarks in Port Moresby.

2023-2024 | Visitors' Centre
Intended to be a space that allows guests to comfortably Read More

Intended to be a space that allows guests to comfortably socialise, relax and ensure they are well-prepared prior to entering the House of Worship, the Visitor’s Centre is the first port of call.

The building has a stunning open deck verandah with an expansive and hillside view of the Tokarara neighbourhood.

Equipped with meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, rest rooms and offices including the Temple Director’s Office and the Bahá’í Community’s Office of External Affairs, the Visitor’s Centre is sure to be an essential part of a visitor’s experience.

Area Guide for Visitors

Bahá’í Points of Interest

General Places of Interest

Medical Services

Groceries & Shopping Centres

Accommodation

Local Bahá’í Centre
Hohola

Visitors are strongly encouraged to seek guidance from the Bahá’í Local Spiritual Assembly prior to visiting this site.

The Local Bahá’í Centre is a space for where community gatherings, meetings and events are held.

Resting Place of Sr Violette Hoekne
9 Mile Cemetary

Visitors are strongly encouraged to seek guidance from the Bahá’í Local Spiritual Assembly prior to visiting this site.

The first Bahá’í to arrive in Papua New Guinea in mid April 1954, Sister Violet Hoehnke, or as she is lovingly regarded – Sr Vai is laid to rest at 9 Mile Cemetery and bestowed the title, Knight of Bahá’u’lláh.  A professional nurse, Sr Vai’s engagement with locals was characterised by a sincere respect for culture and the uncommon perspective of the oneness of humanity and equality of people.  She was admonished by authorities at the time for engaging with and training local people in first aid skills.  Read more

Nature Park
Goro Kaeaga Road

(From official website)

Spread over 30 acres of tranquil tropical gardens the park is home to over 350 native animals and hundreds of plant species, many of which are rarely seen outside of PNG.

Port Moresby Nature Park is PNG’s only internationally recognised wildlife park and sets the benchmark in PNG for tourism, animal welfare, conservation, research and community nature-based education. It hosts over 130,000 visitors to the park each year.

PNG's Parliament House
Waigani

(From the official website)

Parliament House is an interesting place whether parliament is sitting or not. A small shop in the building has books and displays of Papua New Guinea’s fantastic butterflies. Open 9.00am to 12 noon and 1.00pm to 3.00pm.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) Parliament is a single chamber legislature (law-making body) consisting of 89 Members elected from Open electorates and 22 Governors elected from Provincial electorates.

PNG's National Museum & Art Gallery
Waigani

(From the official website)

The museum was an independence gift from the Australian people and was built in 1975 and was opened in 1977 by Papua New Guinea’s first Prime Minister, Grand Chief Sir Michael T. Somare.

The Museum’s founding collections were collected by First Administrator for British Papua, Sir William MacGregor, between 1889 and 1898. This spiritual house is home to more than 30,000 anthropological collections, well over 30,000 archaeological objects, more than 18,000 natural history specimens, about 20,000 historical material and about 800 contemporary art works.

Haus Independens
Town

(From the official website)

The Haus Independens Museum (formerly Old Parliament House) is located in Port Moresby town on MacGregor Street, as you ascend Touaguba Hill.

Haus Independens was constructed in 2018 on the former site of PNG’s Old Parliament House. The building symbolizes the former parliament house after attempts to restore the original buildings failed. Use of this site originated in 1905, when the original building was constructed, as a hospital for the British population resident in Port Moresby.

During the Second World War (1942-45), it functioned as a field hospital for the Allied Forces.

Bomana War Cemetary
Bomana

“A place of solemn sadness to reflect on the results of war and violence, beautifully maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission”

 

Port Moresby Medical Clinic
Boroko

(From the official website)

The Port Moresby Medical Service has an excellent reputation for patient-centred medical services.

Port Moresby Medical Service is located at East Boroko, in the City of Port Moresby, at the corner of Vaivai Avenue and Mavaru Street. It was established in 1985 by Dr Stephen Webb, one of Port Moresby’s most prominent General Practitioners.

Facilities on premises consist of, amongst others, a reception area capable of good sitting, four private consultation rooms, a minor operating theatre, a pathology room, a radiology room, a pharmacy, a single delivery room, three-bed observation out-patient and seven single rooms equipped with telephone and one executive en suite in-patient ward. Parking facilities are available with security on the premises.

2K Medical Centre
Turua Ave, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

2K Medical Centre is a modern medical facility offering a range of healthcare services to patients in the local community.

Paradise Private Hospital
Korobosea

(From the official website)

PPH is the first, and only, fully fledged Papua New Guinean-owned private hospital in the country – owned and operated by Dr Robin Sios OBE and wife, Janet Sios. Together, they lead a team of dedicated professionals; guided by a strong customer-centric philosophy and a shared vision of going beyond healthcare, in both service delivery and customer relations. PPH continues to serve communities with distinction and is the healthcare provider of choice for generations of families that have grown with our establishment.

Pacific International Hospital (PIH)
Korobosea

(From the official website)

The Pacific International Hospital (PIH) at Port Moresby established in the year 1997 is the epitome of excellence in multi-specialty Healthcare in Papua New Guinea (PNG), offering round-the clock Critical Care and Emergency & Ambulance services.

A world class infrastructure, supported by cutting edge technology with a dedicated team of healthcare professionals is our hallmark.

PIH has a capacity of 100+ beds offering services in multi-specialty disciplines such as  Internal Medicine, Cardiology, General and Trauma Surgery, Orthopaedics’, Urology, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Neurology , Eye and ENT, Medical Oncology, Nephrology, Psychiatry, Pathology, Dental and other ancillary medical services.

Port Moresby General Hospital
Taurama Rd, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Port Moresby General Hospital is the largest hospital in Papua New Guinea, providing a range of medical services to patients in the country’s capital city.

Tango Tokarara
Koura Way

Groceries store for essential items conveniently located near the House of Worship

Vision City Mega Mall
Waigani Drive

A major shopping centre with groceries, mixed retail, F&B and entertainment including movie theatre.

Rangeview Plaza
Waigani Drive

A major shopping centre with groceries, mixed retail and F&B.

Stanley Hotel & Suites
Sir John Guise Drive

(From Official Website)

Experience luxury at its best with The Stanley Hotel and Suites, a 5 star hotel in Port Moresby.

Nestled in the heart of Waigani, the commercial and governmental hub of Port Morseby, The Stanley Hotel and Suites offers finest accommodation in Papua New Guinea. The hotel is connected to Vision City Mega Mall, a premier shopping destination and this integrated shopping complex houses a bank, nightclub, cinema, supermarket, and an array of restaurants.

The Stanley offers luxury accommodation, exceptional dining and state-of-the-art amenities with hopes of providing you with exceptional service and facilities during your stay.

Lamana Hotel
Waigani

(From official website)

With an impressive variety of facilities and outstanding service, you’ll find it convenient to be at the venue that everyone in the city visits at least once a week. Enjoy complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle service, free in-room Wi-Fi, 24hour security surveillance, 3 world class restaurants, lounge bar, conference facilities, bowling alley, gaming rooms, beauty salon, gymnasium, outdoor pool and more.

Dream Inn
Waigani

(From Official Website)

Here at Dream Inn, comfort is guaranteed. All the rooms have a fully equipped kitchen, well operating washing machines for guest laundry, separate lounge, and dining rooms. We also have room service, where our guests can easily order from our restaurant on the times the restaurant opens to the time it closes.

Hilton

(From Official Website)

We’re in central Port Moresby, and we’re connected to the Kutubu Convention Center. Jacksons International Airport is a 10 minute drive and we’re four kilometers from the Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery. We serve varied food and drink options across five restaurants and bars. Enjoy views of the area from our outdoor pool and whirlpool.

Holiday Inn & Suites | Holiday Inn Express
Wards Road & Waigani Drive

(From Official Website)

Set in 5 hectares of landscaped gardens, the Holiday Inn & Suites Port Moresby offers a secure environment combined with international service standards and Papua New Guinea friendliness. Located in the heart of the Government district, access is via a modern four-lane highway 6 kilometres from the airport and a continuation of this highway a further 8 kilometres into the Port Area. Parliament, many government departments and embassies are situated close by as is Royal Port Moresby Golf Club. Accommodation totals 238 rooms including standard and Premium rooms, two room suites, executive suites and serviced apartments. Facilities include a Sports Club with two Squash Courts, outdoor swimming pool, daily aerobics classes, cardio vascular training equipment and a fully equipped weight room. Professionally managed by qualified staff, the Sports Club is the ideal place to maintain fitness while in Port Moresby.

House of Worship

Portion 2352 Milinch Granville
access via Police Barracks Roundabout on Koura Way (Click for directions)

For any questions or assistance, please contact us at:
Telephone
+675 7103 4101 (Digicel)
Email
houseofworship@bahai.org.pg

Featured Articles

Notable Stories & Development
Papua New Guinea: Hand carved timber panels beautify emerging temple
January 11, 2024

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — In the emerging Bahá’í House of Worship in Papua New Guinea (PNG), 432 timber panels, each hand carved by local craftsmen, now frame the nine doors that will soon welcome the diverse peoples of that country.

Saeed Granfar, a member of the architectural team, reflecting on the evolving craftsmanship of the House of Worship, states: “Just as the vast interior features aluminum strips that were meticulously hand-woven, the hand-carved timber panels now extend this expression of artistry from within the temple through to its exterior.

“This seamless integration between interior and exterior craftsmanship,” he continues, “not only reflects the convergence of diverse skills and traditions, but also embodies the unifying vision of a sacred space belonging to all.”

This harmony of design and purpose prompted a pivotal decision in the construction plan. Originally intending to use native Kwila hardwood, the project team, upon realizing its endangered status, opted to use sustainably sourced Chengal, salvaged from demolished buildings.

The project team had initially considered using modern manufacturing techniques to carve patterns into bonded timber panels. However, as the project evolved, the team decided to draw instead on traditional PNG wood carvers from the Sepik region, an area celebrated for its carving heritage.

Charles Sasa, master carver, shared his team’s profound joy in contributing to the project. “We the carvers, our families, and our children are blessed and thankful to be part of this iconic building in our country of Papua New Guinea.”

Their skilled hands, trained through generations of tradition, transformed plain timber into expressions of beauty.

Covering an area of 387 square meters, the timber panels are intricately carved with a pattern of waves, which radiate outward from each entrance of the House of Worship.

The completion of these panels in around three months is viewed by the project team as a significant milestone. The temple’s construction is steadily revealing it as a beautiful, inclusive space, where contemplation and prayer will inspire service to society.

Papua New Guinea: Emerging House of Worship stands as a symbol of unity
August 10, 2023

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — As the sun rises over Port Moresby, it illuminates a unique woven exterior that wraps the emerging Bahá’í House of Worship in its embrace. The design of the recently completed façade—inspired by traditional weaving—is symbolic of unity and the coming together of people of different backgrounds from across Papua New Guinea.

In a land enriched by over 1,000 ethnic groups, this sacred structure, now nearing completion, beckons all people. Kevin Tagos, a worker on the site, says, “We come from different parts of Papua New Guinea and learn from one another. We share stories about the beauty of the House of Worship and how it binds us together.”

Houses of Worship are described in the Bahá’í teachings as vital institutions that exemplify in a tangible form the integration of worship and service. This idea is finding greater expression in the communities surrounding the temple, as growing numbers of people regularly gather at the site to pray and to contemplate how they can serve the needs of their fellow citizens.

Advances in the construction work in recent months can be seen in the images below.

Papua New Guinea: Rising temple inspires public participation in weaving project
September 28, 2022

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — Sitting on a hilltop in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea (PNG), is the emerging Bahá’í House of Worship—a sacred structure that represents the union of devotion and service to society. This central theme, which underlies the purpose of all Bahá’í Houses of Worship, is inspiring residents in the area to assist with the development of the temple in that country, most recently with a weaving project.

Last week, people from nearby neighborhoods, drawing on their knowledge and skills, gathered at the temple site to weave aluminum strips into a traditional pattern that will adorn the interior walls of the central edifice. Weaving is an art form in PNG with which people interact daily, through items such as baskets created for special occasions, matts woven for family and friends, and other objects used in daily life.

The design of the temple dome and the interior weaving pattern are symbolic of unity and the coming together of people from diverse backgrounds. Yori Moigamu, a volunteer from the suburb of Hohola, says: “This House of Worship belongs to all of us. This is what motivates everyone here to work together.”

Confucius Ikoirere, Secretary of the Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly of PNG, explains that these sentiments are expressed by all people who visit the temple site to pray and offer service. “Once completed, the House of Worship will be open to anyone seeking solace and serenity. It will be a place for all people to reflect deeply on their lives, to think about how they can overcome challenges, and how they can serve their society.”

The progress on the construction work is featured in the gallery of images below.

Papua New Guinea: House of Worship superstructure completed
August 15, 2021

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — A significant milestone has been reached with the completion of the complex steel structure of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG).

This latest development comes after hundreds of steel components were individually positioned and linked with nine steel meshes to complete the dome structure, on which the oculus support frame was raised.

The site of the House of Worship, which has been under the ownership and care of the Bahá’ís of PNG since the 1990s, has already begun to receive groups of visitors eager to learn about the significance of the temple and the innovative approaches being taken for its construction, such as the intricate steel structure for the central edifice.

Recent visitors have included members of the PNG Institute of Architects and journalists from different media outlets including one of the country’s major national broadcaster, EMTV.

“We see this project every time we drive by. It’s filled everyone with so much intrigue,” said Jordan Tegabwasa, President of the PNG Institute of Architects during his visit to the site.

Gezina Volmer of the Bahá’í Office of External Affairs explains how the House of Worship stands as a symbol of unity. “When its doors open, all will be welcome—regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity or faith. The House of Worship will be a peaceful place of reverence to pray, connect with our Creator, and reflect on how to be of service to society.”

Progress on the construction work is featured in the gallery of images below.

Papua New Guinea: House of Worship takes shape
November 20, 2020

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — Coming into view from all directions as one approaches the Waigani area of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, is the rising structure of the Bahá’í House of Worship currently under construction. Once completed, the House of Worship will act as a focal point for devotion and service to society, open to people from all backgrounds.

WELKAM! | WELCOME! The Bahá'í House of Worship is now open for the general public. Please see our calendar below for opening hours.
FAQs