PRESS RELEASE
Bible Society of Armenia
6/26 Zakiyan St.
Yerevan 375015, Armenia
Tel: (+374 -1) 58.55.09, 56.49.06
Fax: (+374 – 1) 54.24.39
E-mail: bible@arminco.com

October 15, 2004

BRINGING THE BIBLE TO SCHOOLS, SHIRAK

YEREVAN–Within its three-day trip to the Region of Shirak a delegation
of Bible Society Board members and World Vision International
Organization visited five main towns of the region of Shirak and met
with 113 school principals, as well as some teachers and students. The
visit to regional capital Gyumri was paid in December 2002 where there
was a meeting with the local principals. This is the region, which was
hit by a strong earthquake on December 7, 1988, causing 25.000 victims
and huge damages; the church of All Savior built at the main square,
collapsed.

During October 5-7, 2004, on the eve of the Feast of the Holy
Translators, the Bible Society and World Vision International delegation
members visited the Regional Capital Gyumri, Akhourian, Ashotsk,
Amassia, Artik and Maralik. Among the delegation members were HG
Archbishop Vartan Keshishian, the representative of the Primate of the
Armenian Catholic Church; Ms. Karine Harutiunian, World Vision
International Church and Community Relations Manager; and Arshavir
Kapoudjian, Bible Society Board Secretary. The delegation was always
accompanied by the Primate of Shirak, HG Bishop Mikayel Ajapahian.

The traces of the tragic event were still obvious in the cities and
villages, in the streets and schools. Amassia, the last North Western
town of the country bordering Turkey, is called `The Siberia of
Armenia,’ where the temperature during winter time is -47 It was hard
to see only two dozen of people in the streets at 3pm. It seemed as if
we were there after a battle. Therefore it was really a consolation to
meet teachers and students in an old school. `I hope our new
generation will be able to continue our task by this initiative,’ a
principal said before the meeting starts.

The meetings have usually been opened by the Board Secretary who, in his
keynote address, presented the gathered public with the 200-year history
of United Bible Societies and the13-year history of the Bible Society
Armenia and its mission, and introduced the six different books to be
given to schools.

By seeing that the Bible entered schools and found its place in the
curriculum, HG Arch. Keshishian expressed his joy stating: `We all are
aware that it is our religion and faith that has kept our existence. The
past record tack is not only a historical fact, but also a reality,
which gives meaning to our life.’ Conveying her thanks to the Bible
Society for joining this project, Ms. Harutiunian added: `We hold
special love and affection towards this region. You remember the day, 16
years ago, when we delivered a check for your spiritual uplifting and we
are here once more for the same purpose. Our mission is to be
Christians. You are the people to take these books to our new
generation. This is how you can support us.’

All the meetings were concluded by the Primate HG Bishop Ajapahian.
First he wholeheartedly expressed his gratitude to the Bible Society and
World Vision International for this unique and generous support for his
Diocese and addressed to the gathered principal and teachers: `I am
well aware that it is a very difficult task to be a village teacher.’
It required devotion and commitment from everybody. His Grace presented
the difficulties of the Diocese, especially the lack of manpower,
adding: `I am confident that such literature will replace the pastors.
With these books you are called to be a shepherd to guide our young
people and enlighten their life. This literature is novelty for you.
Moreover, it is useful. There is nothing archaic here; the traditional
and the modern are mixed together.’ Then he stressed the necessity of
the Bible, which is Holy and must be worshiped by reading and not
regarding as an idol. After 70 years of communism the Church once again
holds its responsibility and enters schools to give Biblical and
Christian education. `Neither by replacing the former ideology, nor by
imposing belief, it does make the new generation find their Christian
identity. We should learn how and what to give to each other through
this identity.’

At the end of the visits, the Board Secretary paid visit to HE
Archbishop Nerses Ter-Nersessian, the Primate of the Armenian Catholic
Church in Armenia. His Eminence also is the Vice-Chairman of the Bible
Society Board. The Board Secretary shared his impressions about this
three-day visit to the region and discussed the issue on how to reach to
the educational and spiritual needs of the people.

The Bible Society of Armenia was established in 1991, when the late
Catholicos Vazgen I and representatives of the United Bible Societies
signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the translation,
publication and dissemination of the Holy Bible in Armenia. The Bible
Society of Armenia is committed to the widest possible meaningful and
effective distribution of the Holy Scriptures in languages and media
which meet the needs of people, at a price they can afford. The Board of
Trustees of The Bible Society of Armenia consists of representatives of
the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian Catholic Church and the
Union of Armenian Evangelical and Baptist Churches.

For further information on Bible Society of Armenia and its activities,
call (374-1) 58-55-09 or 56-49-06; fax (3741) 54-24-39; e-mail
bible@arminco.com