The Church in Greece

The Church’s presence in Greece began in the 1890s. Though missionary work was suspended in 1909, many local members retained their faith, and Greek Latter-day Saints helped to reestablish the Church there in 1970.

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History of the Church in Greece

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was introduced in Greece with the spiritual searching of Rigas Pofantis and Nicholas Malavetis in the 1890s. Their efforts led to the first baptisms in Greece in 1905. Despite early enthusiasm, missionary work was suspended in 1909 and did not resume until the 1970s. Though missionary work paused for decades, local members preserved their faith through study, translation, and quiet devotion.

In the 1970s, Greek Saints helped reestablish the Church in Greece. Members hosted meetings in their homes, and others translated Church materials and supported efforts to gain legal recognition. Persistent efforts by local members and missionaries led to the Church’s legal recognition in the country in 1979 and to the publication of the Book of Mormon in Greek.

The 1980s and 1990s saw the establishment of branches, the rededication of the land, and the calling of Greek leaders and missionaries. In 1987, the first all-Greek branch presidency was called. Saints served their communities through humanitarian aid and public outreach, including volunteering during the 2004 Athens Olympics.