The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church has designated 2028 the Year of Biblical Texts in Liturgical Life and of the Commemoration of Translators and Printers of Church Books. The decision marks the 340th anniversary of the publication of the first complete Bible in Romanian, Basilica.ro reported.

The Bible in question is the Bucharest Bible, published in 1688. It was a landmark in the history of Romanian language and culture, helping bring together the linguistic and religious traditions of Romania’s historic regions.

The edition was funded by Șerban Cantacuzino, ruler of Wallachia from 1678 to 1688, and printing was completed under his successor, Constantin Brâncoveanu. Contributors included brothers Radu and Șerban Greceanu, Bishop Germanus of Nysa and Bishop Mitrofan of Huși.

Title page of the 1688 Bucharest Bible / muzeulbibliei.ro

By the standards of its time, the book was printed to a high standard. It was published in a large format, with 944 pages, using black and red ink. The Bible circulated widely in Romanian lands and beyond. Historians consider it one of the most important works of Romanian religious literature, citing both the scale of the edition and the expressiveness of its language.

The Romanian Church has previously dedicated special years to translators and publishers of religious books. In 2016, it commemorated Saint Antim the Iberian and church printers; in 2019, it honored Patriarchs Nicodim Munteanu and Justinian Marina, along with translators of liturgical literature.

The year 2028 will also mark 20 years since the Romanian Orthodox Church introduced its annual thematic years. The initiative was launched by Patriarch Daniel.

The Holy Synod has previously designated 2027 as a year dedicated to cooperation between clergy and laity in the life and mission of the Church, and to the memory of Patriarchs Justinian Marina and Teoctist Arăpașu.