A BOOK containing the lost translation of the New Testament from its original Greek text to Fijian was launched in Suva yesterday.

Viwa New Testament, which contains the first translation of the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Mark, was launched at the Churhward Chapel in Flagstaff.

It contains the first translation of the Bible from Greek to Fijian by the late missionary, Reverend John Hunt in 1874.

Project coordinator Andrew Thornley said it took his team five years to complete the project.

Thornley said the original Bible was lost once and kept in the mission library in Sydney.

“The original copy was obtained from John Hunt’s wife and so we used it to publish this because of the significance of its language,” he said.

“Fijians are interested in this bible and I think they will use this book for their sermon.”

Thornley said the book would be promoted for people to appreciate its significance in the advent of Christianity in Fiji.

Seru Verebalavu of the Methodist Bookstore in Suva said they had 400 copies, which they expected be sold out within three months.

Meanwhile, the 15 probational ministers yesterday received their final question and answer session before their ordination.

Media liaison officer Reverend James Bhagwan said the probational ministers completed their three-year study and practical work.