BIBLE SOCIETY PUBLISHES THE PATRIARCHATE OF JERUSALEM’S NEW TESTAMENT IN ARABIC
October 2014
On Friday, the 4th/ 17th of October 2014, the Palestinian Bible Society hosted an event at the “Convention Center” of the Palestinian Autonomy, between Bethlehem and Hebron.
His Beatitude, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem, attended the event, accompanied by the Elder Secretary-General, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Archdeacon Evlogios, priests from the occupied areas, i.e. the Hagiotaphite Protosyncellus Leontios, vicar in Rafidia; f. Emmanuel, vicar in Aboud Community; f. Boulos, vicar in Beit-Jalla; and f. Issa Mousleh, the Arab-speaking Mass Media Liaison – as well as faithful from the Patriarchate’s Orthodox flock.
Also in attendance were the heads of other Christian Churches in Jerusalem, i.e. the former Latin Patriarch, His Beatitude Michel Sabbah; the Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem, the Right Reverend Suheil Dawani, H.E. William Shomali of the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem – as well as Palestinian Autonomy officials, i.e. Tourism Minister, Mrs Roula Ma’ayah.
The programme included the National Palestinian Anthem, “Our Father” read out along with excerpts from the New Testament, and an address by the Director of the Bible Society, Mr Filmon Nashiat. Mr Nashiat pointed out that the purpose of the gathering was the dissemination of the Word of God.
The event celebrated the publication of the New Testament in Arabic, edited by Metropolitan Constantinos of Bagdad. The Arabic translation is available in 15.000 copies, paid for by the Bible Society.
His Beatitude Theophilos addressed the event in Arabic, see link: http://www.jp-newsgate.net/ar/2014/10/17/7778
In His address, Patriarch Theophilos thanked Mr James Catford, Group Chief Executive of the Bible Society in the UK, and Mr Filmon Nashiat, Director at the Palestine Office, for covering the expenses of the publication. Thanks were also extended to Mr George Bassous for hosting the event in the Convention Center, which was founded by the late Said Houri. Mr George Bassous also delivered a speech in honour of the late George Said.
Messrs. Issah Mousleh and James Catford also spoke at the event. Mr Catford pointed out that in trying times, it is worth knowing who are friends are, just as the Bible Society is a friend of Christians in Palestine.
His Beatitude went on to offer Mr George Bassous an icon of Christ in memory of the late George Said. Copies of the New Testament in Arabic translation were offered to all participants.
From the Secretariat-General
