PERGAMOS PUBLICATIONS of the Free Evangelical Church in Greece was "born" at Cape Sounion during a Christian Youth Conference in the middle of 1981. It was then that a small group of believers, concerned about the lack of suitable Christian books in the Greek language-especially at a time when the interest in Eastern religions, mysticism, and black magic was mounting-discussed for the first time the need to start a publishing ministry despite all odds the greatest of which is, of course, the small numbers of evangelical Christians in the country of Greece (not more than 1%).
Following that discussion, a publishing effort began-shyly at first-which soon broadened its scope and activity to the point of publishing one book per month. Today the number of books published by PERGAMOS is nearly 200 with a large number of future projects on the back burner. Many of the already published books have gone into more than one edition with the "Interpretation of the Revelation" holding the first place (the title The Swan Song of the Earth holds a record of all times-13 editions thus far).
More than the various Christian books that PERGAMOS had the opportunity to publish thus far, its most important contribution is the publication of a much needed translation/transposition of the entire HOLY BIBLE (Old and New Testament) into modern Greek. Indeed, PERGAMOS was the first publisher to assume this undertaking which helped make God΄s Word accessible to those not equipped to read the ancient texts. The language used in these translations/transpositions is simple and pleasant, the editions fine and easy to use (available in both plain and elaborate form), and the study aids-maps and commentaries-abundant.
PERGAMOS PUBLICATIONS which started as a non profit organization continues to be a ministry rather than a commercial outfit and in the Greek Law it is characterized as civil partnership. Its goal is twofold:
a. To increase the circulation of excellent Christian books (written by either Greeks or foreign writers translated into Greek by the PERGAMOS translation team) responding to the spiritual needs of modern man searching for meaning. Who am I? What is my purpose on earth? Who gave me life? What is my destiny? What shall I encounter after death? A cursory review of the titles of the books PERGAMOS has put out thus far is indicative of the goals pursued as well as of the great diversity of sources from which it draws (psychology, theology, hermeneutics, literature-including children΄s literature-biography, poetry, etc.).
b. The second goal of PERGAMOS PUBLICATIONS, which actually constitutes its main goal, is to present the wonderful Person of Jesus Christ, the Eternal Son of God, the Messiah, who came from Heaven, from the Father, with all the credentials of His Divine Origin and became man for the sake of all of us-sinners; who on Calvary Hill took upon His shoulders our terrible debt towards the Heavenly Father and paid it off; who thus delivered us, freed us, and reconciled us with God. This He did for each and everyone of us separately and individually and now, whoever turns to Him with his heart and confesses Him with his lips, is saved-totally and Eternally. |
