Over the next few years, three new houses of prayer will be built in Reykjavík, reports Fréttabladid. The Russian Orthodox Church, the Association for Medieval Norse Paganism (Ásatrú), and the Association for Icelandic Muslims have all received promises for lots in Reykjavík. The applications are currently under review at the Environmental Committee.
The Association of Icelandic Muslims needs a 4 – 5,000 square meter lot for a mosque that is planned to be just over 2,000 square meters. Currently, a lot in the Ellidaá River Valley is under review.
The Russian Orthodox Church will be 600 square meters and also include recreational facilities for the congregation and a school. Two to three lots are under consideration for the church, in Öskjuhlíð or on the Landakotstún across from the Russian embassy (and next to the Catholic Church) or at Hávallagata 14 where there are buildings belonging to the Catholic Church. According to Father Timofej, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church in Iceland, all potential places are good but the Landakotstún is the best because it is close to the Russian embassy. He said that the church will be built in the traditional style with bulb-shaped spires. Construction of the church will begin this summer or as soon as city officials give the church “a green light”.
The Association for Medieval Norse Paganism (ásatrú) is set to receive a 1,500 – 2,000 square meter lot for a 700 sq. m. temple. The temple will include additional facilities for the congregation, a forested area close to landmark Perlan is the lot currently under discussion for the Pagans.
