Worth Talking About
How Kristine Sargsyan redefined Armenian voices
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January 30, 2013
Longtime AGBU Member Hagop Altounian Launches Two New Books in Toronto
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Author Hagop Altounian (left) presents his new publication alongside editor Mr. Sarkis Hamboyan at the book launch in Toronto’s AGBU Alex Manoogian Cultural Center. -
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Audience members listen to excerpts from two new books by former AGBU Lebanon and AGBU Toronto Chair Hagop Altounian.
Earlier this month, book lovers across Toronto added not just one but two new titles to their bookshelves, each authored by longtime AGBU member Mr. Hagop Altounian. On Sunday, January 13, 2013, the former Chair of both the AGBU Lebanon District and the AGBU Toronto Chapter launched his publications, “Along the Luminous Paths of Armenian Culture” and “Nubar Pasha and Boghos Nubar Pasha,” at the organization’s Alex Manoogian Cultural Center.
The book launch drew diverse audience members and speakers, among them Archpriest Father Zareh Zargarian, pastor of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Toronto. Addressing the crowd, Father Zargarian, who was once the religious studies teacher at the AGBU Alex Manoogian School in Montreal, stressed the importance of passing on the torch to younger generations, a trend that was unfolding right then and there; throughout the afternoon, Mr. Altounian, who will celebrate his 90th birthday this year, looked on while young professionals Laura Darakjian and Garin Yacoubian read excerpts from his books. The two were introduced by the event’s moderator, Varak Babian, another rising leader in Toronto’s Armenian community.
The readings offered an exciting preview of the two texts, and their revealing historical accounts: “Along the Luminous Paths of Armenian Culture” traces the development of the Armenian language, while “Nubar Pasha and Boghos Nubar Pasha” chronicles the lives of the legendary Armenian leaders. Both draw from Mr. Altounian’s decades-long experience serving the diaspora community and his distinguished career, which the afternoon’s speakers praised.
Educator Ms. Hasmig Kurdian, who introduced Mr. Altounian, commended the critical role he played within the AGBU Lebanon District, notably during the country’s civil war. In a letter read by AGBU Toronto Executive Director Salpi Der Ghazarian, AGBU President Berge Setrakian applauded Mr. Altounian for his years of dedication to the organization. During his presentation, Mr. Sarkis Hamboyan, editor of “Along the Luminous Paths of Armenian Culture,” pointed to the book’s extensive research and little-known facts. Together, they prompted many in the audience to purchase their own copies of the books, which were personally signed by the author himself.
Mr. Altounian’s book launch was co-sponsored with the Hamazkayin Society’s Klatsor Chapter. At the author’s request, proceeds from the event’s book sales will benefit both AGBU Toronto and the Klastor Chapter.
To learn more about AGBU Toronto, visit http://www.agbutoronto.ca/ or write agbutoronto@bellnet.ca.
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