Bosnia and Herzegovina: Chronology

1975–77 • Switzerland, Austria, and SerbiaThe first known converts from Bosnia and Herzegovina were baptized.

1970s–90s • Bosnia and HerzegovinaLatter-day Saints living temporarily in Bosnia corresponded with the International Mission and held private Church meetings in their homes.

1981 • Montréal, CanadaRadmila Ranović, who was born in Sarajevo but living in Beograd, served in the Canada Montréal Mission. She was the first full-time missionary called from Yugoslavia.

October 31, 1985 • Zagreb, CroatiaElder Thomas S. Monson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles offered a prayer dedicating the land of Yugoslavia for the preaching of the gospel.

1991–95 • Bosnia and HerzegovinaDuring the Yugoslav wars, supplies were sent from the bishops’ storehouse to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and other former Yugoslav republics. Latter-day Saints from across Europe also developed projects to send aid to the region.

March 28, 1992 • Sarajevo, Bosnia and HerzegovinaDuring one humanitarian project, Ivan Valek, president of the Yugoslavia District, drove supplies donated by Church members into Sarajevo to give to a hospital.

December 1995–September 1998 • Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and HungaryAlmost 900 Church members serving in their countries’ militaries were among those deployed on peacekeeping duties.

June 1996 • SarajevoElder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, standing on the ruins of an old Turkish fort overlooking the city of Sarajevo, gave an apostolic blessing of peace on the surrounding region.

June 27, 1996 • AustriaThe Austria Vienna South Mission was organized, with Johann Wondra as president. This mission included the former countries of Yugoslavia.

1990s • Croatia and GermanyDijana Šandrk and Jasmin Ibrahimović were among those from Bosnia and Herzegovina who joined the Church abroad. Both served full-time missions soon after.

September 7, 2010 • SarajevoThe Sarajevo Branch was organized, the first branch in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bosnia and Herzegovina dedication

September 8, 2010 • Sarajevo

Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated Bosnia and Herzegovina for the preaching of the gospel at Vraca Memorial Park.

October 20, 2010 • Banja Luka, Bosnia and HerzegovinaThe first Church group in Banja Luka was organized, with Edward B. Rowe as group leader.

June 15, 2011 • SarajevoPhil and Gloria Smartt became the first full-time proselytizing missionaries to serve in the country.

October 2011 • UtahRepresentatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ministry of Justice attended the International Law and Religion Symposium at Brigham Young University. They also attended a general conference of the Church in Salt Lake City.

February 2012 • Bosnia and HerzegovinaThe government of Bosnia and Herzegovina officially recognized the Church.

March 14, 2012 • Bosnia and HerzegovinaThe first young proselytizing missionaries were assigned to Bosnia and Herzegovina. They preached in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and later Tuzla.

March 3, 2013 • Banja LukaThe Banja Luka Branch was organized.

2014 • SarajevoThe Church provided equipment, software, and technical expertise to the Foundation for the Preservation of Historical Heritage to support their efforts to digitize the collections of the National Library and Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

June 2015 • SarajevoAssigned to the England Manchester Mission, Haris Rožajac became the first person living in Bosnia and Herzegovina to serve a full-time mission.