Bible Society Lebanon Celebrates Diamond Jubilee Official Registration
Beirut, Lebanon – September 2025 – The Bible Society in Lebanon marked its 75th anniversary commemorating its official registration with a week-long celebration filled with fellowship, historic discovery, ecumenical unity, and thanksgiving. Since its registration in 1950, the Bible Society has faithfully served the churches and people of Lebanon and the Levant, making Scriptures in several vernacular languages accessible and meaningful to all.
Fellowship Across Borders
The anniversary week began on Friday, September 5, when colleagues from sister Bible Societies joined the Beirut team touring the Bible Society Center, participating in several children and youth Bible-engagement and Bible-distribution programs, and fellowshipping in a shared lunch. The gathering strengthened friendships and bonds within the global United Bible Societies fellowship.
On Saturday, guests joined a Rally Paper tour to explore Lebanon’s apostolic heritage. Sites included Tabarja Bay, linked to Saint Paul’s journeys; Saint John Mark Church in Byblos, associated with the Evangelist Mark; and St. Stephan Church in Batroun, where tradition says the Apostle Peter was consecrated a bishop.
On Sunday, the guests experienced two different Church traditions liturgies at the Greek-Catholic Cathedral of St. Paul and the Maronite Our Lady of Lebanon Sanctuary, Harissa, where they were received by different clergy who explained the history of their tradition.
Armenian Study New Testament Launch
On Monday, September 8, the celebration moved to the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia in Antelias for the launch of the first-ever Armenian Study New Testament. Over a decade in the making, the project offers Armenian-speaking Christians not only the biblical text but also pastoral and theological insights.
Translated by Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aprahamian under the supervision of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, and in coordination with Bible Society’s Publishing Manager, Ms. Ani Baboglanian, this edition reflects a new milestone in the history of the Armenian Church.
In his address, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I Keshishian said: “It is not enough to publish or distribute Bibles, or even to read them. What matters is the biblical values that lead to life change. The Bible is not just information or history, it is guidance for our life.”
The event also included remarks from Dr. Mike Bassous, General Secretary & CEO, and Mr. Adrian White, COO of the United Bible Societies, with hymns by the Armash Choir.
Diamond Jubilee Celebration
The week culminated on Tuesday, September 9, with the Diamond Jubilee Celebration at the Pierre Abou Khater Theater, Saint Joseph University – Beirut. Held under the patronage of His Excellency, President of the Republic of Lebanon, General Joseph Aoun, represented by Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri, the event welcomed over 250 guests, including government officials, church leaders, key stakeholders, and partners. Mrs. Tatiana Bou Hadeer was the Master of Ceremony, and the event was broadcast live on Télé Lumière / Noursat, with SAT7 Christian television capturing interviews. Click here to watch the event.
The program featured greetings from Fr. Salim Daccache SJ, Rector of Saint Joseph University, Bishop Georges Bacouni, Chairman of the Bible Society, and Mr. Adrian White, representing the United Bible Societies. Dr. Mike Bassous gave a presentation celebrating the past history, acknowledging the present, and looking forward to future opportunities. The event was sprinkled with musical performances including Syriac hymns, Lebanese heritage songs, and Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus performed by the Notre Dame University Choir.
In his keynote, Minister Dr. Tarek Mitri transmitted the President’s good wishes on this occasion, and honored the Society’s contribution to Lebanon, region, and the wider Church. The evening ended with a reception in gratitude for 75 years of official registration.
Looking Forward
Throughout its history, the Bible Society in Lebanon has remained committed to serving churches and communities by providing Scripture in diverse formats, encouraging biblical engagement, and fostering Christian unity. The 75th anniversary week was both a moment of remembrance and a call to continue ensuring that the Word of God transforms lives for generations to come.
The Bible Society’s mission is to spread the Holy Bible’s message and culture to all generations through translating, publishing, and distributing the Scriptures using visual, audio-visual, readable, and digital formats, encouraging people to read and engage with God’s word, advocating the Bible cause to uphold human dignity, and partnering with all Churches and Christian institutions.