Bulgaria, Russia, and Ukraine Celebrate 20 Years of the Church

[Guest Ivo_G]

This year marks 20 years since the official establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in three Eastern European countries—Bulgaria, Russia, and Ukraine.

Although the Church already had a presence in each country, the governments of Bulgaria, Russia, and Ukraine didn’t officially recognize the Church until 1991.

20 Years of the Church

[pam]

Wow thanks for sharing. One of the intesting things I found, only 20 years and already temples in some of those areas. Just shows how receptive many of the people are there to the gospel.

[beefche]

I was hoping to recognize someone from the picture in the article, but alas, they were all after my time.

The 4 missionaries who first served in Bulgaria were "legends" in our mission. I always pictured them (from the stories and memories of the members--and I was only there 2 years after they were) as Superman looking--muscular body, fists on hips, standing tall with perfect posture...although they didn't wear tights, but the missionary uniform.

[Guest Ivo_G]

I was hoping to recognize someone from the picture in the article, but alas, they were all after my time.

I'm proud to say I know 3 of the guys in the picture

The guy sitting to the left of the lady in blue is President Kralev - the president of my branch and the couple in the middle are Mission President Roth and his wife with whom I met just yesterday at the home evening they organised for us - young members and investigators

Edited November 15, 2011 by Ivo_G

[beefche]

I think the guy on the far left is a former mission president, but I'm not sure which one.

If they announce a temple for Bulgaria, I will definitely be going back! I was hoping to get to visit next year, but I don't think we'll be able to afford it yet. Last time I was there was in 2008 and I miss it.

[Guest Ivo_G]

I think the guy on the far left is a former mission president, but I'm not sure which one.

yep, that's President Bennett - he used to be the Mission President before President Roth...as for a temple in Bulgaria - i don't think we'll have one any time soon -> the church is still quite small here and it'll probably take another 10-20 years before we deserve a temple of our own

[classylady]

I was hoping to recognize someone from the picture in the article, but alas, they were all after my time.

The 4 missionaries who first served in Bulgaria were "legends" in our mission. I always pictured them (from the stories and memories of the members--and I was only there 2 years after they were) as Superman looking--muscular body, fists on hips, standing tall with perfect posture...although they didn't wear tights, but the missionary uniform.

I didn't know you served a mission in Bulgaria. That would have been awesome! When were you there?

[volgadon]

I read the BoM in Bulgarian, I think I understood around 70%.

Anyway, this is great news, as my moniker indicates, I served in Russia, My wife is from Ukraine.