Friends of the Bible Society Dinner

Beirut- LEBANON: A special private dinner was held on September 20^th, 2005 at La Cigale restaurant, Zalka. About sixty persons were present – businesspeople, professionals, clergy and politicians – including Bible Society Board members and some staff members. The purpose of the dinner was to acquaint the participators more with the Bible Society’s programs, projects and activities, as well as to fellowship with them as friends and supporters of the Bible cause.

 

The evening commenced with a word of welcome from the Chairman of the Bible Society, Mr. Amine Khoury, who warmly welcomed all the guests, particularly those who were attending this special dinner for the first time. This was followed by a prayer led by Bishop Salim Ghazal, Patriarchal Deputy of the Greek Catholic (Melkite) Church, continued by a Byzantine chant led by the Society’s Treasurer, Father Gabriel Karam, and Archimandrite Alexi Moufarej who was representing the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Beirut, Bishop Elias Awde.

 

After dinner, a PowerPoint presentation was given by the Society’s General Secretary, Mr. Mike Bassous, who summarized the history, vision and mission of the Bible Society as well as its activities during the current year. Mr. Bassous presented the challenges and opportunities, and encouraged the participants to partake in becoming stakeholders in the Bible mission.

 

In addition to the many friends and supporters, the following esteemed guests were present: Minister of Culture, Dr. Tarek Mitri; Ex-Minister Michel Edde; MP Dr. Basem Shabb; Ex-MP Dr. Pierre Daccache; Honorary Counsel General George Ferneini; Dr. Leila Fayad, Director of the Pedagogical Center for Research & Development; Dr. Michel Nseir, Director of World Council of Churches – Middle East Desk.

 

And among the Church guests were: Rev. Dr. Salim Sahiouny, President of the Supreme Council of Evangelical Churches in Syria & Lebanon, and Honorary Chairman of the Bible Society; Father Abdo Bou Kasem, Director of the Catholic Information Center and representing Bishop Roland Abou Jaoude; Father Marwan Tabet, General Secretary of the Forum of Catholic Schools; Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of Hagazian University and Bible Society Board member, who also gave the final blessing before adjournment.

 

The evening ended, and as the guests parted with gift samples of the Society’s productions, they also parted with a higher awareness towards the Bible mission.