On April 6, 2025, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Slovenia celebrated a historic milestone as they watched the general conference live on national television for the first time. This momentous occasion marked a significant step in the Church’s outreach in Slovenia, a country where the Church has been present since 1990.
Key Takeaways
- First live broadcast of general conference on Slovenian television.
- Members gathered in homes and meetinghouses to watch together.
- Significant emotional impact on the community, with many expressing joy and gratitude.
- The broadcast is seen as a catalyst for increased awareness and growth of the Church in Slovenia.
A Dream Come True
The event was a dream come true for many members, including Ivan Majc, the national communications director for the Church in the Adriatic North District. He expressed his overwhelming joy, stating, "I believe my heart is not strong enough to hold the joy inside of me." This sentiment was echoed by many who had long awaited such an opportunity.
Albin Lotric, the first Church member in Slovenia, reminisced about the early days when he had to travel to Austria to record general conference on video. He noted, "I never imagined I would see general conference on a Slovenian TV channel. I am grateful to the people who are behind this achievement because they dared to do the seemingly impossible — and they did it."
Community Gatherings
While many members watched the broadcast from their homes, dozens gathered at the Ljubljana Branch meetinghouse and other locations across Slovenia. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and camaraderie as members shared this historic moment together.
Lela Aleksić, who watched the broadcast with her family in Maribor, expressed the emotional significance of the event. "When we hear conference speakers tell stories about their pioneer ancestors, it brings tears to our eyes. In 100 years, our descendants will say that for the first time, in 2025, our ancestors had the opportunity to watch general conference on their own Slovenian television."
A Step Forward for the Church
The broadcast was made possible through the efforts of Church leaders and local television station Planet2 TV. Terry Hritz, managing director of Bonneville Distribution’s “Music & the Spoken Word” program, played a key role in facilitating the broadcast. He noted that the station was open to broadcasting not only in Slovenia but also in neighboring countries like Croatia and Serbia later in the year.
With approximately 440 Church members and two congregations in Slovenia, the broadcast is expected to have a significant impact on the Church’s growth in the region. President Brian Cordray of the Adriatic North Mission remarked, "The expression that the Lord is hastening His work can sound almost cliché, but there is no other way to describe the miracles happening in the world."
A Message of Hope
During the broadcast, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles delivered a message that resonated deeply with the Slovenian Saints. His opening remarks about the Restoration of the gospel and the truthfulness of the Bible and the Book of Mormon were seen as a confirmation of the Lord’s awareness of the members in Slovenia.
As Elder Bednar spoke about the gathering of believers, many in the Ljubljana Branch felt personally addressed. Ivan Majc, with tears in his eyes, reflected on the significance of the moment, stating, "Our members are seeing the prophesied hastening happening right before their eyes."
Conclusion
The live broadcast of the general conference on Slovenian television represents a pivotal moment for the Latter-day Saints in Slovenia. It not only enhances the visibility of the Church but also fosters a sense of community and belonging among its members. As they look forward to future broadcasts, the hope is that this event will inspire more individuals to learn about the teachings of the Church and join in its mission.
