Pagoumian Hall, St. Sarkis Church – October 10, 2025
Last Friday evening, October 10, 2025, the Pagoumian Hall of St. Sarkis Church was filled with parishioners and friends for a special literary event organized by the Armenian Prelacy of the Eastern United States: the presentation of The Book of Mush by Antonia Arslan, translated into Armenian by Dr. Vartan Matiossian.
The evening opened with welcoming remarks by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, Pastor of St. Sarkis Church, who introduced the author and spoke about Arslan’s profound literary contributions in portraying the Armenian experience through art and storytelling. He then warmly introduced Dr. Vartan Matiossian, the translator of the book, whose work brings this moving narrative to Armenian readers.
Dr. Matiossian offered an insightful introduction to the book, shared reflections on his translation process, and read select passages that brought to life the heroism, faith, and endurance of the characters who saved the historic Book of Mush amid the tragedies of the Armenian Genocide. A lively Q&A session followed, allowing attendees to engage more deeply with the themes of literature, history, and identity.
In his closing remarks, His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate of the Eastern United States, expressed gratitude to Dr. Matiossian for his exceptional work and commended St. Sarkis Church for hosting such a meaningful cultural evening. He also thanked all those who attended and contributed to the event’s success.
The program concluded with fellowship, coffee, and refreshments, during which guests enjoyed conversation and had the opportunity to have their books personally signed by Dr. Matiossian.
It was an inspiring evening that celebrated the power of literature to preserve memory, faith, and the enduring Armenian spirit.