An international conference on âThe Holy Scriptures in a Changing Worldâ was held on September 27th to October 1st, 2018, in Holy Etchmiadzin, Armenia. 40 theologians, representatives from Orthodox churches and United Bible Societies (UBS) were present in the conference to sign the âMemorandum of Understanding and Collaboration between the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches and the United Bible Societies.â H.G. Bishop Magar Ashkarian represented the Catholicosate of Cilicia.
Also invited to the conference were special observers from the World Council of Churches, the Middle East Council of Churches and guests of the Bible Society of Armenia.
The initiative started over 20 years ago. Easter Orthodox Church, the Oriental Churches and the UBS met annually in various locations with the objective of signing a memorandum of understanding that would result to practical cooperation between the sides.
The following themes were discussed during the conference; âThe role and the place of Holy Scripture in the life of the Church,â âThe inspiration of the Holy Scripture,â âThe place of the Bible in a secularized world and in contexts of persecution,â âUBS Bible translations,â âThe mission, vision and values of the UBS as it seeks to serve all churches,â and âChallenges and opportunities of the digital age.â
At the end of the conference, the Memorandum of Understanding and Collaboration between the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches and the United Bible Societies was formally signed.
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