Thursday, July 2

Greece

The Greek Evangelical Church (GEC) traces its beginnings to 1858, when a young convert began publishing a weekly newspaper and started a Bible study. The Star of the East is still the official monthly publication of the GEC, and it is the oldest published newspaper in Greece. In 1924 the congregations formed a synod, and in 1938 the present name was adopted.

Though small, the GEC is the largest Protestant church in Greece and has a ministry that is disproportionately great in comparison to its size. Evangelization, the GEC’s first priority, is considered the church’s heart and reason for existence. In addition to its work within the country, the church is active in outreach to Albania and Bulgaria. The GEC also operates a number of social programs such the Philemon Center, which serves those struggling with substance abuse.

Albania

The Christian presence in Albania flourishes as the Evangelical, Orthodox, and Roman Catholic churches continue to grow. Presbyterian ministry strengthens the witness of the whole Christian community as it actively works with all of these Christian faiths. Community Presbyterian Church of Ventura, California, is partnered with Emmanuel Church of Tirana. The pastor of Emmanuel Church is Altin Hysi, general secretary of the Interconfessional Bible Society of Albania. In October 2007, the Bible Society completed its first interconfessional translation of the New Testament. Altin Hysi said that the seven-year project had been undertaken with the participation of the Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant churches. Now the society is turning its attention to translating the Old Testament.

Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) People in Mission
Rev. Arthur Beals, regional liaison, Albania, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and the Balkans, World Mission

Partners/Ministries
Greek Evangelical Church: Rev. Phaedon Cambouropoulos, general secretary

Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania: His Beatitude Anastasios, archbishop of Tirana and all Albania
Emmanuel Church of Tirana: Altin Hysi, pastor
ABC Curriculum Project: Altin Hysi, Evangelical and Roman Catholic coordinator, Nathan Hoppe, Orthodox Church coordinator
Studentevete Krishtere Shqiptare
International Fellowship of Evangelical Students/Albania (IFES): Zefjan Nikolla, general secretary
Gjerasim Quirazi Memorial School
Interconfessional Bible Society of Albania: Altin Hysi, general secretary
Diakonia Agapes/AOCA: Nina Gramo, director
The Evangelical Alliance of Albania: Ilir Stavro, general director

PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Elder Dale LeCount, FDN
Dong Lee, BOP

Prayer
Blessed Redeemer, we thank you for the completion of the Albanian New Testament and ask that your word would touch many hearts. We ask your blessing on and guidance for the Greek Evangelical Church and all those whom they serve. Amen.

Daily Lectionary
Ps. 143, 147:12–20 Ps. 81, 116
1 Sam. 13:5–18
Acts 8:26–40; Luke 23:13–25