The Church in Slovenia

Early preaching in Slovenia in the early 20th century found little success. Missionary work officially began in 1978, and by 1992 the first branches were established. The Book of Mormon was published in Slovene in 2002.

History of the Church in Slovenia

In 1911 John Stosich became the first Latter-day Saint missionary to preach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in Slovenia. But no one joined the Church during Elder Stosich’s stay in Ljubljana. Five decades later, Maria Gruden’s son joined the Church abroad. Maria learned about her son’s religion and joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1968 (becoming the only member in Ljubljana). Maria spent many faithful years in isolated devotion to the gospel. She made irregular trips to branch meetings in Klagenfurt, Austria, and on occasion received visits from Church members from other areas.

Missionary work officially began in Yugoslavia in 1978, but missionaries were not specifically assigned to Ljubljana until 1990. Saints in Slovenia welcomed the missionaries’ arrival. By then, several converts living in Slovenia were making regular trips to Klagenfurt to attend Church meetings. Saints helped missionaries make contacts, find accommodations, and translate Church materials into Slovene.

Between 1990 and 1992, branches were established in Ljubljana, Celje, and Maribor, and a district was organized. In 2002 the Book of Mormon was published in Slovene, and in 2017 the Slovene translation of the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price was announced.

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