São Paulo is so huge that it is very difficult to get your bearings. Moroni (on top of the temple) is the best we can do for a compass.
The only problem is that for the first couple of weeks we were here, we "assumed" that Moroni was facing east. It just didn't make sense with the sunsets and moonrises. Finally, I used the compass app on my iPhone to confirm the direction Moroni's trumpet is facing. It is due south!!
Lesson learned: There is no Church doctrine regarding which way Angel Moroni must face on temples. Although in many temples Moroni faces east for symbolic purposes (Christ's second coming will appear first in the east), it is not a requirement.
In the case of the São Paulo temple, Moroni is facing the major thoroughfare (Avenida Francisco Morato) that passes in front. Could it be because Samba bands march down this street during Carnival season and Moroni plays a mean jazz trombone? (I don't think so, but the temple and Moroni are beautiful regarding of the direction they face.)
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