Address of R. Lamar Vest on the Occasion of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's First Visit to the American Bible Society

October 30, 2009

Your All Holiness:

On behalf of my dear friend and co-worker in the Lord Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson, chairman of our Board of Trustees, Dr. Ena Heller, the executive director of the Museum of Biblical Art, and on behalf of trustees, staff and supporters of the American Bible Society and MOBIA, I welcome Your All Holiness this evening.

Your presence with us today marks a special moment in the history of the American Bible Society as we share through text, images, and ministry, the witness of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

For nearly two hundred years, the American Bible Society’s sole purpose has been, and continues to be, making the Bible available, accessible and affordable to as many people in as many places as possible so that they may experience its life-changing message. It is our response to Christ’s parting command to his apostles, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

Today, in receiving you and honoring your ministry, we recognize that we share a unity of purpose, and we celebrate fellowship in Christ. We believe that the words of Christ and the message of the Gospel are always relevant, in all places, for all people, and in all circumstances. Reflecting on the ecumenical and apostolic character of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s ministry, it is striking that it spans nearly two thousand years and transcends national and cultural barriers. In Your All Holiness’ ministry, the Gospel is made relevant to the most pressing matters of the day, as you apply the truths and mandates of Scripture on issues of socioeconomic justice, human freedom, religious tolerance, and especially on the environmental crisis.

As the Scriptures instruct, you also remind us that we must always strive to be at peace with one another and in balance with our environment: That God created us to be stewards of creation and calls us to be peacemakers. For this reason the Museum of Biblical Art has highlighted the creation story from the Book of Genesis, assembled such a wonderful collection of icons, and highlighted your work on environmental issues in their exhibit. In addition, with great respect, and a sense of deep solidarity, the American Bible Society presents you with this commemorative edition of the Paschal reading from the Gospel of John, entitled, In the Beginning Was the Word, in forty different languages. Our prayer is that this gesture of solidarity will serve to encourage and assist the Orthodox Church as she continues to proclaim God’s Word and herald the Good News of God’s mercy and salvation.

Blessings,

R. Lamar Vest

President and CEO

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