This translation came about as a result of events, when the Balamand Theological Institute was forced to close for three years and the students moved to Thessaloniki in Greece to continue their theological studies. I was among them and was fortunate, along with the rest of my companions, to get to know the apostolic city of Thessaloniki and learn the Greek language, as well as to breathe in the monastic atmosphere of the Holy Mountain (Mount Athos).

The Gospel of Mark was one of the main subjects in our first year of study at the Faculty of Theology at the University of Thessaloniki, under the kind and gentle Professor Karavidopoulos, Professor of the New Testament at the aforementioned university.

This professor was characterized by easy language and a clear style. His book and his interpretation of the Gospel of Mark were very balanced, combining the scientific and spiritual approaches, with an obsession with showing the Orthodox Church’s point of view on all the important issues raised.

Therefore, his theological book is useful to the simple reader and the praying one. It is useful to the beginner as well as to the commentator. It does not include extensive critical commentaries, but it is careful to present each idea with scientific and spiritual clarity, taking into account the views of the Church Fathers as well as the views of the most important contemporary interpretive movements. In addition, the interpretation of each passage comes in comparison with what is stated in the Synoptic Gospels. I found in it a response to a pressing need in our Church and among its believing youth.

The officials in charge of Al-Nour Al-Mubarakah Publications responded by including this modest translation in the series of biblical studies, after the Monastery of St. George the Letter completed the prominent interpretation of the Gospel of John.

I offer this translation to every lover of the life-giving Word of God, hoping that it will be a beacon for the spiritual revival of the heart to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our only hope in this dark world, through whom all glory is due with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

Translator 7/27/87
Archimandrite Ephrem Kyriakos