In 2004, the Bible Society of Armenia initiated the “Moving Gospel” project aimed at bringing the Word of God through parables of Jesus to inhabitants of border villages and of villages suffered from earthquake. The objective of the project was to bring together the village community, old to to young, to speak about the significance of the Bible to them. To fulfill the project, Selections of the Parables of Jesus, the Teachings of Jesus, the Miracles of Jesus and the Life of Jesus, collected from the four Gospels, were published for several years. Then, as a summary, due to 12 visits within the framework of the project, a book including 10 parables, 1 healing and 1 miracle was published, accompanied with corresponding explanations and reflections. The selection booklet, called “Moving Gospel”, is distributed to not only project participants but also to the families living in the village. 12 visits are paid to each village within a year, in two periods, March to May and September to December. Four visits are paid each semester.
As continuation of this project, Sunday schools were opened in the villages.
During 2004-2020, the “Moving Gospel” project was fulfilled in 87 communities, including 37 in Tavush Province, 22 in Gegharkunik Province, 2 in Sisian, 7 in Ararat Province, 6 in Vayots Dzor Province, 5 in Armavir Province, 6 in Shirak Province and 2 in Aragatsotn Province.
From 2019, by the initiative of His Eminence Archbishop Yeznik Petrosyan, the General Secretary of the BS of Armenia, the project was accompanied by carpet making courses (for the old), icon painting and puppet making courses (for the young), with psychologists participating in it, aiming at conveying psychological support and more spiritual enthusiasm to the participants; the objective is to support the inhabitants of secluded communities often living in difficult social, war and psychological conditions. At the end of the project women introduce the carpets they have made, based on Bible stories and national motives. Children organize puppet shows according to biblical themes. Considering the significance of this project and to extend its geography, in the beginning of 2020, special seminars were held in the Provinces of Syunik, Vayots Dzor and Tavush for the priests, so that they can fulfill the project in the villages they serve.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic stopped this and other projects for a short while. However, the efforts of the BS of Armenia employees kept them going online.
During the last two decades 30,000 copies of Bible literature were distributed within the framework of the “Moving Gospel” project.
Recent years saw the publication of:
· 2000 copies of “Parables of Jesus”, Yerevan 2005
· 2000 copies of “Parables and Miracles of Jesus”, Yerevan 2007
· 2000 copies of “Parables, Miracles and Teachings of Jesus”, Yerevan 2008, 2010
· 2000 copies of “Moving Gospel” (New Testament Selection), Yerevan 2014
· 2000 copies of “Moving Gospel” (with Study Bible commentaries), Yerevan 2019
In 2021, the “Moving Gospel” project will focus on four provinces – Syunik, Vayots Dzor, Ararat and Gegharkunik. One day training seminar and four online seminars will be held for the priests of Gegharkunik Diocese, to engage them in this project. The Project Director and the psychologists will carry out the project in the following village communities: Vardahovit (Vayoths Dzor Province), Darpas, Beel (Syunik Province), Sotk (Gegharkunik Province) and Ranchpar, Sis, Urtsadzor, Lanjar of Masyatsotn Diocese. Due to this, 1400 copies of “Moving Gospel: the Bible Message according to Study Bible” booklets will be published, as well as 1400 copies of booklet DVDs, with more detailed presentation, will be produced, to be distributed to the communities.
