Within its three-day trip to the Region of Shirak a delegation of Bible Society Board members and World Vision International Organization visited five main towns of the region of Shirak and met with 113 school principals, as well as some teachers and students. The visit to regional capital Gyumri was paid in December 2002 where there was a meeting with the local principals. This is the region, which was hit by a strong earthquake on December 7, 1988, causing 25.000 victims and huge damages; the church of All Savior built at the main square, collapsed. During October 5-7, 2004, on the eve of the Feast of the Holy Translators, the Bible Society and World Vision International delegation members visited the Regional Capital Gyumri, Akhourian, Ashotsk, Amassia, Artik and Maralik. Among the delegation members were HG Archbishop Vartan Keshishian, the representative of the Primate of the Armenian Catholic Church; Ms. Karine Harutiunian, World Vision International Church and Community Relations Manager; and Arshavir Kapoudjian, Bible Society Board Secretary. The delegation was always accompanied by the Primate of Shirak, HG Bishop Mikayel Ajapahian. The traces of the tragic event were still obvious in the cities and villages, in the streets and schools. Amassia, the last North Western town of the country bordering Turkey, is called `The Siberia of Armenia,' where the temperature during winter time is -47 It was hard to see only two dozen of people in the streets at 3pm. It seemed as if we were there after a battle. Therefore it was really a consolation to meet teachers and students in an old school. `I hope our new generation will be able to continue our task by this initiative,' a principal said before the meeting starts. The meetings have usually been opened by the Board Secretary who, in his keynote address, presented the gathered public with the 200-year history of United Bible Societies and the13-year history of the Bible Society Armenia and its mission, and introduced the six different books to be given to schools. By seeing that the Bible entered schools and found its place in the curriculum, HG Arch. Keshishian expressed his joy stating: `We all are aware that it is our religion and faith that has kept our existence. The past record tack is not only a historical fact, but also a reality, which gives meaning to our life.' Conveying her thanks to the Bible Society for joining this project, Ms. Harutiunian added: `We hold special love and affection towards this region. You remember the day, 16 years ago, when we delivered a check for your spiritual uplifting and we are here once more for the same purpose. Our mission is to be Christians. You are the people to take these books to our new generation. This is how you can support us.' All the meetings were concluded by the Primate HG Bishop Ajapahian. First he wholeheartedly expressed his gratitude to the Bible Society and World Vision International for this unique and generous support for his Diocese and addressed to the gathered principal and teachers: `I am well aware that it is a very difficult task to be a village teacher.' It required devotion and commitment from everybody. His Grace presented the difficulties of the Diocese, especially the lack of manpower, adding: `I am confident that such literature will replace the pastors. With these books you are called to be a shepherd to guide our young people and enlighten their life. This literature is novelty for you. Moreover, it is useful. There is nothing archaic here; the traditional and the modern are mixed together.' Then he stressed the necessity of the Bible, which is Holy and must be worshiped by reading and not regarding as an idol. After 70 years of communism the Church once again holds its responsibility and enters schools to give Biblical and Christian education. `Neither by replacing the former ideology, nor by imposing belief, it does make the new generation find their Christian identity. We should learn how and what to give to each other through this identity.' At the end of the visits, the Board Secretary paid visit to HE Archbishop Nerses Ter-Nersessian, the Primate of the Armenian Catholic Church in Armenia. His Eminence also is the Vice-Chairman of the Bible Society Board. The Board Secretary shared his impressions about this three-day visit to the region and discussed the issue on how to reach to the educational and spiritual needs of the people.