Launch of the Armenian Study New Testament at the Catholicosate of Cilicia
Antelias, Lebanon – On Monday, September 8, 2025, the official launch of the Armenian Study New Testament took place at the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia, under the patronage and presence of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. The event, held in the historic grounds of the Catholicosate in Antelias, began at 6:30 PM and gathered an audience of 75 guests from across the Armenian Church, Bible Societies, and ecumenical circles.
The one-hour program opened with a warm welcome by Rev. Apraham Joulfaian, who served as the evening’s moderator. This was followed by inspiring words from Dr. Mike Bassous, General Secretary of the Bible Society – Lebanon, Ms. Tamar Karasu, General Secretary of the Bible Society in Turkey, and Mr. Adrian White, Chief Operating Officer of the United Bible Societies. Ms. Ani Baboghlanian, who led the coordination of the Armenian Study New Testament, shared about the journey of the project and its importance for Armenian readers. Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aprahamian, the translator of the study material, also addressed the audience, reflecting on the significance of the work and the collaborative spirit behind it.
The event concluded with a heartfelt and visionary speech by His Holiness Aram I, emphasizing the importance of making Scripture accessible and understandable to Armenian-speaking faithful around the world.
The spiritual atmosphere of the evening was elevated by the Armash Choir of the Armenian Theological Seminary, who offered beautifully rendered Orthodox hymns.
A reception followed the launch, offering a time of fellowship and celebration of this unique ecumenical publication—a first-of-its-kind resource for the Armenian Church. Copies of the Armenian Study New Testament were made available for purchase.
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.