Prague’s O2 Arena Filled with 15,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses

From July 5 to July 7, Prague hosted a special convention by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Themed “Declare the Good News,” there were approximately 15,000 in attendance at the O2 Arena, including 3,000 international visitors. Additional 15,000 people tuned in to the program from Ostrava, Bratislava, Nitra, and Michalovce.

Guests came from Belgium, Finland, South Korea, Moldova, the Netherlands, Peru, USA, and Ukraine to attend the special convention. In addition to Jehovah’s Witnesses, the event was open to the public, and admission was free.

The program in Prague was conducted not only in Czech but also simultaneously in Ukrainian and Russian. English translations were available via FM receivers for international participants. In Nitra, the program was held in Hungarian, and in Michalovce, it was presented in Eastern Slovak Romani.

“Approximately 6,000 volunteers from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Germany were involved in organizing the convention,” stated Jakub Tabara, a member of the organizing committee. “Without their efforts, we would never have been able to hold such an event. We also deeply appreciate the excellent cooperation with the management and staff of the O2 Arena and the relevant authorities and institutions. We would like to extend our thanks to the Prague Convention Bureau team for their support and willingness.”

Prague is one of 14 cities worldwide hosting this year’s special convention. Jehovah's Witnesses (formerly Bible Students) have been active in the area of Czech Republic since 1907. Their leading magazine, The Watchtower, has been published in Czech since 1923. The first congresses were held in Czechoslovakia in the 1920s, and in 1932 a convention with international participation took place. Under the Communist regime, the activity of Jehovah's Witnesses was banned, thus conventions could not be held. However, as early as 1991, the Witnesses held an assembly at Prague's Strahov Stadium, which was attended by over 74,000 people.