The Archipelago of the Azores (Acores) is composed of nine islands, largely volcanic. They are located 1190 km (740 miles) from the southern coast of Portugal and 3900 km from the North American coast. The islands are divided into three groups.: The Eastern Group consisting of Sao Miguel and Santa Maria; the Central Group of Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico, and Faial; and the Western Group of Flores and Corvo.

On each island’s page, it will show its map as well as a listing of the Churches found on that island, with the name of the village or town in parentheses. Unless otherwise stated, the Churches are all Catholic.

All Azorean Church records and Passports are now available onlinefree to search and download. They are at either the Centro De Conhecimento Dos Azores (CCA) site or the Universidade do Minho site (database only for Pico, Faial, and Sao Jorge). There are links posted for each Freguesia (village/town) on every island for available records. You can either use the Tombo link to take you directly to that Freguesia's records on the CCA site, or click on the CCA link, itself, and drill down through their menu system.

If you are researching your family's genealogy, your local FHC (as it is commonly called) is another good place you can start your search. For a small fee, you can order a microfilm of any of these records as well as other records you might need such as Census, etc. If you need a place to get started, the FHC is it! Just check your phone book under Churches -- then Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

*******Passports are available on the CCA site by clicking this Tombo link.*****