The Church in Belarus

Latter-day Saints have been present in Belarus since the first converts were baptized in 1993. Several Latter-day Saint religious communities are registered in Belarus, and local members direct and work in local charitable organizations, building fellowship and good will in the region.

History of the Church in Belarus

As the number of converts to the Church began to grow, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited Minsk in 1993. He recognized Belarusians’ unique cultural traditions and history and prayed for the country and “its heroic people.”

Belarusian Latter-day Saints have found many opportunities to serve in their communities. In addition to sharing their faith with friends and family, Church members in Belarus have sought to improve the lives of their fellow citizens of different faiths. In 1993, they formed a charitable society called Safia, which offers assistance to the needy. Since 1999, that same work has been carried on by a new organization called the International Charitable Public Association “Safia.” ICPA “Safia” volunteers and staff carry out projects sponsored by LDS Charities. Safia has become a well-known and respected humanitarian organization in Belarus.

Today, Belarusian Latter-day Saints can be found in a number of cities. As of 2017, the Church has registered four religious communities in Minsk, Viciebsk, and Mahilioŭ.

Read more in Global Histories.