Tsar Alexander II Shown the Codex Sinaiticus in 1859

Tsar Alexander II of Russia first beheld the Codex Sinaiticus in 1859 which was brought to him by Konstantin von Tischendorf, a German Bible scholar. After the presentation, Konstantin proceeded to recopy the Codex Sinaiticus in four folio volumes which he proffered to the tsar in October 1862.

Now with the wonders of internet technology, the historically valuable manuscript will receive a global audience when the website is launched on Thursday. The ambitious project will be completed by July 2009 when the collaborated efforts of four institutions to bring the Codex Sinaiticus together will be fully integrated online.

The REUTERS article, 1,600-year-old version of Bible goes online, can be read here.

An excerpt from the narrative of the Codex Sinaiticus discovery by Lobegott Friedrich Konstantin von Tischendorf can be read here.

For more information on the launch of the Codex Sinaiticus online, visit the official website.

The Prince and Princess of Asturias Cheer Spain’s Football Team to Victory

Playing in Vienna, Austria, Spain’s football team emerged victorious in the semi-finals of the 2008 European Championships against Russia on June 26th. The final score was 3 – 0. The Prince of Asturias could barely contain his excitement when he was interviewed in the hallway after the game. Spain will square off against Germany in the final match on June 29th.

Photo: Associated Press/Frank Augstein

Former British Prime Minister Confers with Jordan’s King

Former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, was in Jordan as Envoy of the Quartet Committee to discuss the Middle East peace process with King Abdullah II of Jordan. The king voiced his aspiration “of keeping the momentum provided by the Annapolis peace meeting.” Mr. Blair apprised the monarch of the committee’s efficacity to support the Palestinian government and Palestinian national institutions. The quartet is comprised of the United States, Russia, European Union and the United Nations.

Photo: Associated Press/Yousef Allan, Jordanian Royal Palace, HO

Princess Máxima Addresses VI National Conference in Moscow

As a member of the United Nations Advisors Group on Inclusive Financial Sectors, Princess Máxima of the Netherlands attended the VI National Conference “Microfinance in Russia: Building an All-Inclusive Financial System” in Moscow yesterday. The conference encompassed the goal to “promote the role of microfinance in improving access to financial services in Russia, fostering better standards of living and regional development through consolidating the efforts of all market participants and facilitating their dialogue with government.”

Some highlights from her address are below:

"Ladies and gentlemen, as an economist and former banker myself, I am convinced that a sound financial sector is an essential part of the development process. By now, research has convincingly shown that financial development and improving access to finance not only accelerates economic growth, but also reduces poverty and income inequality."

"Access to a wide variety of financial services and products, such as loans, savings, insurance products and remittances can be a powerful tool to generate income, build capital and protect people against risk. However, world financial systems are not inclusive today: well over two billion people do not have access to basic financial services."

Princess Máxima's entire speech from the VI National Conference in Moscow can be read here.