Contact: Roy Lloyd, American Bible Society, 212-408-8731, rlloyd@americanbible.org

NEW YORK, Jan. 10 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the American Bible Society are jointly underwriting the costs to supply over 10,000 copies of the New Testament in modern Greek to those affected by the devastating fires in Greece. The initiative, spearheaded by the Greek Bible Society, will donate Bibles directly to the affected Metropolises in Greece, which will then distribute the Bibles at no cost to the individuals impacted.

"The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has actively responded to this terrible tragedy in Greece," remarked His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios. "Now, through this initiative from the Greek Bible Society, the Archdiocese of America will be able to support the local, pastoral outreach of the local Metropolises in Greece. Supporting such vital programs as this tangibly demonstrates the Church's concern for both the physical and spiritual well-being of everyone."

Michail Chatzigiannis, the General Secretary of the Greek Bible Society, also remarked, "Though materialism and the atheistic spirit of this world may try to demoralize the victims of these tragic fires, we believe that the written Word of God will help those affected experience God as 'the Lord of patience and consolation.' These generous donations will enable the distribution of God’s written word to comfort the hearts of these suffering people."

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the American Bible Society, and the Greek Bible Society have collaborated closely on a number of initiatives such as the publication of the Children's Bible Reader and the digital publication of the Ecumenical Patriarchate's 1904 authorized New Testament Text.

Founded in 1816 and headquartered in New York City, the mission of the American Bible Society is to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so that all people may experience its life-changing message. The American Bible Society Web site is www.Bibles.com