Malta will this weekend join in celebrations marking the 400th anniversary since King James VI of Scotland and I of England commissioned 54 scholars to make a new translation of the Bible and foster unity between religious factions.

It was completed in 1611 and is known as the Authorised or King James’ Version bible.

King James VI of Scotland had succeeded his famous cousin Elizabeth I of England in 1603, uniting Scotland with England and Wales. The main purpose of the text was that it should be read aloud in every church. The language was resonant, rhythmic and easy to remember.

The English-Speaking Union of Malta, the English Department at the University of Malta, St Andrew’s Scots Church and the Anglican Chaplaincy, among others, put their heads together to organise a three-week programme of activities with “as many English speakers as possible” to be held between tomorrow and October 23.

A readathon of the Old and New Testaments starts tomorrow after 1 p.m. and then daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. until October 19. As many readers as possible are needed for this challenging event. Those interested can contact the Anglican Chaplaincy in Malta and Gozo on 2122 5714 and at anglican@onvol.net or via www.anglicanmalta.org

The bible will be exhibited at St Paul’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral and at St Andrew’s Scots church, both in Valletta.

A lunchtime concert of music from Handel’s Messiah by the North-West Festival Chorus will be held on Wednesday at St Paul’s.

Michael O’Neill, of Durham University, will speak at the Gateway Building, University of Malta, on The Bible As Literature on October 22 at 6 p.m.

The crowning celebration will be a thanksgiving service on October 23 at 6 p.m. at St Paul’s, led by the St Paul Choral Society.