A faith centred on Christ
The Seventh-day Adventist Church belongs to the Protestant Christian tradition. Its story began in the nineteenth-century United States among communities studying the Bible and anticipating Christ’s Second Coming.
1844: disappointment and renewed study
William Miller and his followers expected Christ to return in 1844. When this did not happen, the “Great Disappointment” followed. A group continued studying Scripture and reconsidered their interpretation. Hope in the Second Coming remained, without setting another date.
1860–1863: the Church takes shape
The name “Seventh-day Adventists” was adopted in 1860. In 1863 the General Conference was organised. The name brings together the hope of Christ’s return and the seventh-day Sabbath.
The pioneers and Ellen White’s contribution
The Church developed through people who studied, discussed and worked together. Ellen White was a co-founder and an influential voice in its spiritual life. Her writing and ministry helped shape its emphasis on education, health and Christian living. For Adventists, the Bible remains the foundation of faith and the standard for teaching.
1874: mission reaches Europe
In 1874 John Nevins Andrews left for Switzerland as the Church’s first official overseas missionary. This was an important step in its international growth. Study, publishing and communication in people’s own languages helped small communities connect across national boundaries.
Faith meets learning and care
The Church connects learning with knowledge, character and service. Its history also concerns faith responding to everyday human needs.
The story in Greece
The Trans-European Division’s official account records publications reaching Greece in 1878 and a visit by the Adventist Bertola in 1879. Henderson and Warren Howell later worked here. George Vrakas from Epirus holds a special place in this story: he discovered the Sabbath through Bible study and was baptised with his wife and daughter in 1909. The Greek Mission is listed as established in 1903.
A story that continues among us
Here in Greece, this heritage invites us to know Christ and read Scripture honestly. We respect the history and faith of each person we meet. Our communities offer places for worship, encounter and dialogue. You can explore our beliefs, start a Bible study or visit a church without having already decided what you believe.
Sources & further reading
1860–1863: the Church takes shape