An international conference on “The Holy Scriptures in a Changing World” was held on September 27^th to October 1^st, 2018, in Holy Etchmiadzin, Armenia. 40 theologians, representatives from Orthodox churches and United Bible Societies (UBS) were present in the conference to sign the “Memorandum of Understanding and Collaboration between the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches and the United Bible Societies.” 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; “The role and the place of Holy Scripture in the life of the Church,” “The inspiration of the Holy Scripture,” ‘The place of the Bible in a secularized world and in contexts of persecution,” “UBS Bible translations,” “The mission, vision and values of the UBS as it seeks to serve all churches,” and “Challenges and opportunities of the digital age.”

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.