The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the American Bible Society said that Bibles will be given free of charge to people living in affected metropolises of Greece, in cooperation with the Greek Bible Society.
"Through this initiative from the Greek Bible Society, the Archdiocese of America will be able to support the local, pastoral outreach of the local metropolises in Greece," explained American Archbishop Demetrios. "Supporting such vital programs…demonstrates the Church’s concern for both the physical and spiritual well-being of everyone."
It comes amid reports that residents, including apparently Christians, who lost their homes in last summer’s deadly wildfires have not yet received money from the 162 million euros ($240 million) set aside for the reconstruction of fire-ravaged villages.
BUILDINGS DESTROYED
More than 4,000 buildings, including barns and stables, are believed to have been partially or completely destroyed by fire last summer across the Peloponnese and Evia areas, according to estimates by English language newspaper Athens News. About 2,700 square kilometers (670,000 acres) of forest, olive groves and farmland were destroyed in the fires, described as Greece’s "worst fire season" on record in half a century. At least 79 people reportedly died.
Yet, the General Secretary of the Greek Bible Society, Michail Chatzigiannis, said that donated New Testaments can "comfort the hearts of these suffering people."
He said "Materialism and the atheistic spirit of this world may try to demoralize the victims of these tragic fires. [However] we believe that the written Word of God will help those affected experience God as ‘the Lord of patience and consolation’."
MORE INITIATIVES
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the American Bible Society, and the Greek Bible Society previously collaborated on several other initiatives, including the publication of the Children’s Bible Reader and the digital publication of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s 1904 authorized New Testament Text, officials said.
About 98 percent of Greece’s 10 million strong population identifies itself as ‘Greek Orthodox’, with evangelical Christians comprising a small majority, according to estimates by the United States Cental Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Founded in 1816 and headquartered in New York City, the American Bible Society (www.bibles.com) says it aims to "make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so that all people may experience its life-changing message." (BosNewsLife MISSION WATCH covers missionary work in difficult areas and/or circumstances).
