November 6, 2024
The Macedonian Bible Society (MBS) proudly celebrated its 30th anniversary on October 24, 2024, at the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle for Independence in Skopje, North Macedonia. This marked a significant milestone in its mission of bringing the Bible to North Macedonia in its native language. The anniversary also saw the introduction of newly published New Testament and Psalms translations – directly translated from the original Greek and Hebrew into modern Macedonian.
Historical Background
The roots of MBS stretch back to the post-World War I period when the British and Foreign Bible Society (BFBS) established a regional office in Belgrade. This office managed Bible distribution for many years in what eventually became the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, including the Socialist Republic of Macedonia. However, it wasn’t until May 1, 1994, that MBS was formally established as an independent entity under the leadership of its first General Secretary, Professor Petko Zlateski, whose dedication over 26 years was pivotal in its growth.
Commemorating Three Decades of Service
The anniversary celebration brought together distinguished guests, supporters, and collaborators of the Macedonian Bible Society from around the world, reflecting its broad and deep relationships within the global Christian community. Notable guests included George Sochos from the United Bible Societies (UBS), Neil Rees from BFBS, and Altin Hysi, the General Secretary of the Albanian Bible Society. Together with Professor Gjoko Gjorgjevski, the current General Secretary of the Macedonian Bible Society, these international representatives met with the MBS Board President, His Beatitude Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid and Macedonia, where they discussed the contemporary challenges Bible societies face and to explore ways for collaborative support and collaboration.
Over 200 guests attended the celebration, including representatives of all churches in the country: all bishops of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, the Bishop of the Macedonian Catholic Church, and leaders and pastors of almost all Protestant churches. The former President of the Republic of North Macedonia, H.E. Gjorge Ivanov, was also in attendance.
A Message of Faith and Perseverance
Archbishop Stefan opened the ceremony with a heartfelt address, emphasizing the Macedonian Bible Society’s essential role in spreading the Gospel throughout North Macedonia. He spoke of the MBS as a faithful partner in preaching the Good News to those seeking spiritual nourishment, stressing the importance of the Bible Society’s mission. “It is our sincere wish that the Macedonian Bible Society continues its good work,” he stated, “so that every person may see the One who is standing at the door and knocking and may hear His voice and open the door, so that He may come and be with every person, and so that every person may be with Him.”
Global Solidarity and a Special Message from UBS
In a moment that underscored the MBS’s place within the global UBS Fellowship community, George Sochos, Head of Member Relations in Europe, delivered a message on behalf of the UBS General Secretary, Rev. Dirk Gevers, extending the Fellowship’s congratulations to the Macedonian Bible Society. Dirk. Gevers’ message highlighted the MBS’s accomplishments over the past three decades and conveyed a prayer for continued strength and boldness in its work:
Dear friends,
It is an honour for me to have the opportunity to bring greetings. On behalf of your brothers and sisters around the world in the United Bible Societies Fellowship, we join you in celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Macedonian Bible Society.
We commend you for your faithful ministry among your people over these 30 years, and we thank God for all that has been achieved.
We pray for God’s blessing on you, your work in translation and on the new revision of the Book of Psalms that has been prepared for this anniversary.
As you look to the years ahead, may you continue to be bold in your testimony to Christ, the living Word, and may God strengthen your work to make the Bible available to everyone.
In the fellowship of the Word,
Dirk Gevers, UBS Secretary General
Recognition and Celebration
Professor Gjoko Gjorgjevski was presented with a plaque from UBS, honouring the Macedonian Bible Society’s achievements and celebrating its anniversary with a thanksgiving message: “We celebrate this day with thanksgiving.”
In the closing words, the General Secretary expressed his gratitude to all those who have made possible the work of the Macedonian Bible Society, as well as the constant help and support from UBS, stressing that “the translation and distribution of the Bible texts remain a priority of the activities of the Society in the future”, but constantly reminding that “Scripture was not given to us only that we should enclose them in books, but to engrave them upon our hearts”.
Alongside the formalities, the event featured music and artistic performances, enhancing the festive atmosphere. A documentary film recounting the history and impact of the Macedonian Bible Society was also screened, bringing the organization’s legacy to life for attendees.
Looking Forward
As MBS reflects on its 30-year journey, it looks forward to a future of continued dedication to its mission. The Bible Society will adapt to the challenges of modern times while remaining steadfast in its commitment to sharing the Word of God. The Bible Society’s work has made Scripture accessible to Macedonians in their native language. This legacy will continue to shape and enrich North Macedonia’s faith community for generations.
The 30th-anniversary celebration marks a milestone and a reaffirmation of purpose, inspiring all those involved to remain united in faith and committed to spreading the Gospel throughout North Macedonia and beyond.
About the Macedonian Bible Society
The Macedonian Bible Society became a member of the United Bible Societies (UBS) in 1994. MBS plays a vital role in meeting the spiritual needs of the people of North Macedonia. 
Serving all churches and faith communities in the country, MBS is dedicated to making Scripture available, accessible, and affordable to all. Its primary mission includes translating and distributing the Bible, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to connect with the Word of God in a language they understand.
In recent years, MBS has produced several important translations, including a new edition of the New Testament in 2023 and the Psalms in 2024. A notable milestone is the release of Follow Me: The Life of Jesus in Macedonian Sign Language, the first-ever translation of Jesus’ life into Macedonian Sign Language. This groundbreaking project was created in collaboration with the National Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, addressing the needs of the 6,000 registered deaf individuals within North Macedonia’s population of approximately two million.
North Macedonia is a religiously diverse nation with a Christian majority and a significant Muslim population. According to the 2021 Census, the country has a population of 1,836,713, with 58.44% identifying as ethnic Macedonians, 24.3% as ethnic Albanians, 3.86% as ethnic Turks, 2.53% as Roma, 1.3% as Serbs, 0.87% as Bosnians, and 0.47% as Vlachs, alongside other ethnic groups. In terms of religious affiliation, 60.44% of the population identifies as Christian, primarily Eastern Orthodox, while 32.17% identify as Muslim.
Through its work, the Macedonian Bible Society continues to foster unity and spiritual growth in this diverse cultural landscape, ensuring that the Bible reaches every corner of the country.
