Mr. Francis to Mr. Hay.
Athens , December 9, 1901 .
Sir: I have the honor to report that yesterday priests read from every pulpit in Athens a decree of the Holy Synod which prohibits, on pain of excommunication, the sale or reading of any translation of the Bible.
This action was evidently taken by the religious authorities in order to completely restore public confidence that no attempt to publish a vulgar version of the Holy Scriptures will be tolerated by the Greek Church. It will be recalled that this question precipitated a conflict in the streets of Athens on November 21 ultimo between a mob of over 25,000 students and workmen and citizens and the Government troops, in which 8 persons were killed and over 60 wounded.
Several years ago Her Majesty Queen Olga, actuated by the best of motives, published at her own expense a translation of the Bible in common use (which is in the Greek of the Byzantine period) into the modern language of Greece. It was not sold, but distributed free among the hospitals and other charitable institutions of this city. While the gracious act of Her Majesty did not meet with public favor, it has never been alleged that the translator of that particular version of the Bible employed any language which could be construed as vulgar. However, in view of the action of the Holy Synod as above stated, this indirect authoritative reflection by the Church of Greece on the act of Queen Olga is likely to produce disagreeable complications.
I am, etc.,