Western Diocese of the Armenian Church

The Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall of the Diocesan Complex was filled to capacity on Thursday, June 28, 2012 as more than 500 people attended the presentation of Alice Navasargian’s latest book – The Immortals.  

The event was emceed by Hermine Janoyan, member of the Ladies Auxiliary Committee of the Western Diocese. After delivering her welcoming remarks, Janoyan invited Diocesan Communications Director Sergey Arustamyan to read the letter of Aram Topchyan, Senior Researcher and English translator of Navasargian’s book congratulating the author on the completion and presentation of the highly informative book. “For me, in addition to the professional interest and enjoyment of working on this volume, it has been an honor and great pleasure to collaborate with Alice Navasargian. She is not only well-mannered and learned, but also a uniquely kind, upright and compassionate personality. I congratulate you on the publication and presentation of this magnificent book and wish you brilliant success in your remarkable scholarly endeavors” wrote Topchyan in his letter.  Paruyr Sevak’s “To Live” (Aprel) was recited by Meri Avetisyan, a member of the Nairi Dance Ensemble.

The book was presented by Diocesan Librarian Hayk Madoyan who so eloquently noted Navasargian’s scholarly approach and her years of meticulous research. “The book outlines the rich history of Armenia and the invaluable contributions of Iranian-Armenians who in their own right are duly described as Immortals. It was an honor to be asked by the author to present this marvelous book and I wish to express to her my sincere gratitude” noted Madoyan.

In the artistic portion of the program, the Nayiri Dance Ensemble performed three beautiful numbers while soprano vocalist Ani Khachatryan, accompanied by pianist Noemi Lokmanian, performed Komitas Vartabed’s “Hov Arek” and “Es gisher, lusnak gisher.”

In his remarks, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian congratulated the author on the presentation of the book stating “God is the source of expression of art and culture in one’s heart. To create is to express the image of God. Alice Navasargian’s third book, The Immortals, is an invaluable book for all Armenians” said His Eminence.

The author expressed her genuine gratitude to the Primate for the warm welcome and reception and thanked all those individuals who played a vital role in bringing the book to life.

Professor Oshin Keshishyan, Editor-in-Chief of the Armenian Observer, delivered his remarks thanking the author for such an invaluable historical book. Accompanied by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian, the Author Alice Navasarigian and the presenters, Professor Keshishian led the “kinedzon” ceremony.

A book signing session with the author concluded the event. Proceeds from the sale of the book benefitted the Etchmiadzin Children’s Fund.