Russian Bible Society (1813-), learned society
The Russian Bible Society / Российское Библейское Общество, founded in 1813, is a Russian association whose purpose is to translate and distribute the Bible in Russia.
Overview
The Society was formed in January 1813 in St. Petersburg on orders from the Emperor Alexander I. Prince Alexander Golitsyn was appointed its first president. The goal of the Society was "to deliver to the inhabitants of Russia the Bible in different languages for the most reasonable prices."
Although experiencing recurring problems in its relations with the government, during the 19th century the Society was able to accomplish important results, notably, the publication of the Russian translation of the whole Bible in 1876.
After the Soviet Revolution in 1917, any activity related to the printing and distribution of the Bible was subjected to severe restrictions and the Society ceased to work autonomously. Only occasionally the Orthodox Church was allowed to have contacts and joint ventures with foreign Bible Societies.
With the fall of the communist regime, the Society was formally restored (initially on January 7, 1990 as the Bible Society of the Soviet Union, and then, since October 18, 1991, as the Russian Bible Society).
Since 1995, the Russian Bible Society is a member of the United Bible Societies.