Russia’s first Bible Day a success

The Bible Society in Russia (BSR) received substantial donations during the country’s first Bible Day in January. Executive Director Anatoly Rudenko shared with Stein Mydske, United Bible Societies Fundraising Consultant for the Europe-Middle East region, some of his impressions of this important milestone in the Society’s ministry.

MOSCOW, Russia — “Russia’s first Bible Day, which raised funds for Bibles for blind children, coincided with the 190th anniversary of the Bible Society. This created an ideal opportunity to make people aware of the Society’s history and its role in the production of the Synodal Bible, published in 1876 and now used by all Russian churches.

“We wanted to ensure that both the Protestant Church and the Russian Orthodox Church were involved, but particular attention was given to the 600 largest Protestant churches. We are pleased with the volume of donations received.

“There were responses from Orthodox churches, too, in particular from those with a link to the Society, through a board or staff member. We are strengthening contacts with Orthodox leaders and local priests by visiting theological seminaries to build relationships with priests while they are still in training.

“Most Christians are not aware of the historical role played by the Society in translating the Synodal Bible. Basically, this Bible is the official edition of a Bible Society translation from the early 1800s. Among the resources it prepared for Bible Day, the BSR told the story of how the Society was established and how the first Russian Bible translation was done.

“As well as giving an insight into the Society’s history, Bible Day was also an opportunity to tell people about current and future work. The Society is involved in translating the full Bible into modern Russian, for example, and good progress continues to be made.

“A video is being prepared which is intended to make churches more aware of our work and to encourage them to participate in future Bible Days, and we also plan to improve our web site, recognising that Internet usage among Russians is expanding rapidly.” (WR 377/3 - 6.03)