Moscow, January 30, 2012
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The website of the Orthodox Christian Church in Thailand reports that translation and publication of the book began with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. He visited Thailand in 2001 as chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations and noted the absence of fundamental catechetical materials in Thai.
The Tomsk diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church and Archbishop Rostislav of Tomsk and Asinov provided material support. USD 15,000 has been provided for this endeavour during the last two years.
It was not only necessary to translate the text in order to adequately explain Orthodox teaching, but find equivalents, since the Thai language lacks many religious and philosophical notions, or the notions are translated inadequately thus failing to bring their meaning to the reader. The translation was accomplished through several means. The Russian-language version of archpriest Slobodskoy’s book and its English version and – when in doubt – the English-Greek explanatory church dictionary was used.
The translation was made by Rev. Danai (Daniel) Vanna, the first Thai Orthodox priest, a graduate of the St. Petersburg Theological seminary, by Ms Napatra Aphichapthong, a former official translator of English at the Parliament of Thailandm who now studies at the St. Petersburg Theological seminary, and by Mr. Yingsak Satsen, a specialist in the Russian language. Archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin), representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand, acted as editor-in-chief. The Orthodox Church Foundation in Thailand provided organizational and technical assistance.
The Foundation’s Committee decided to send several copies of the book to the University of Thailand, where the Russian language and culture are studied, to non-Orthodox theological schools in the country, and to the theological educational institutions of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Free copies of the book will be given to all Orthodox Thais, as well as to those who are preparing for Holy Baptism in the Orthodox Church.
The presentation of the book will take place on 9 February 2012, during a visit to the Kingdom of Thailand of Archbishop Mark of Yegorievsk, head of the Moscow Patiarchate’s Management of Institutions Abroad.
In consideration of the work done for the benefit of the Church in translation and publication of the book in the Thai language, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia awarded archpriest Danai (Daniel) Vanna with a golden pectoral cross and Ms Napatra Aphichaphong with a medal of St. Euphrosynia, Grand Princess of Moscow.
For more information on the Orthodox Church in Thailand, please see its official website.
