PRESS RELEASE
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
WESTERN PRELACY’S APRIL 24 EVENT
DIANA APCAR: A HEROIC SERVANT OF THE ARMENIAN CAUSE
In the month of April, with the deluge of Genocide commemoration
events, it’s rare and refreshing to find a hall filled to capacity for
what many refer to as a “cultural” event. On the evening of Sunday,
April 30, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, Los Angeles area residents were educated
and enlightened about the power and strength of Armenians all over
the world.
The main attraction of the event was the book, From the Book of
One Thousand Tales: Stories of Armenia and Her People 1892-1922,
a collection of sixteen short stories, written by Diana Apcar,
Armenia’s Honorary Consul General to Japan during the first Armenian
Republic. Lucille Apcar, granddaughter of Diana Apcar, contacted H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian to introduce herself and her
grandmother’s book, after she discovered the original manuscripts in
the rubble of her parents’ home in Yokohama.
The program went beyond introducing the author and the book to Western
Prelacy friends and supporters. It went beyond commemorating the
Armenian Genocide victims and martyrs. The program distinguished itself
from other events due to its unique content and messages delivered
by activist Raffi Hamparian, Lucille Apcar and Archbishop Mardirossian.
Raffi Hamparian reminded attendees about the importance of
collaboration, participation and support. He continued by emphasizing
the value of time as he requested individuals to remember Genocide
survivors who did not abandon their culture or heritage after
witnessing the burning of churches, inhumanities to man, and the
continuance of struggle to merely survive.
The program included a brief biography of Diana Apcar presented by
Master of Ceremonies Mr. George Bedigian, comments by Honorable Gagik
Giragossian, Consul General of Armenia, and Honorable Dr. Masahiro
Kohara, Acting Consul General of Japan. The program also included
the reading of excerpts from the book, including “The Sultan’s Cat,”
a short story with a stunning metaphor equating the well-mannered
feline pet with an obsequious Turkish Sultan seeking the acceptance and
respect of his surrounding countries, including the Armenian Patriarch.
Entertainment that evening included musical interludes by Ms. Nanor
Jamakordzian, Violin and Ms. Hermine Amirian, Vocal, accompanied by
Mrs. Garine Der Gevorkian on the piano.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian closed the program with words of
praise, gratitude and prayer. His remarks celebrated the life of
Diana Apcar and the many lost lives of the Armenian Genocide. He
acknowledged the grand efforts of men and women around the world
and their dedication to their faith and the Armenian nation-women
like Diana Apcar, whose knowledge and grasp of Armenia’s history
is incredible when one learns that she was born in Burma, lived in
Japan for 43 years and never set foot in any of the countless Armenian
cities and towns of which she wrote about. Thus, this can only attest
to a voracious reading of Armenian history and a lasting love of her
ethnic heritage.
“The Western Prelacy is dedicated to working diligently to revitalize
the cultural, spiritual, and educational conditions of its community,”
said Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian. “The Western Prelacy has and
will continue to make a substantial impact on expanding its reach
to the Armenian-American community as we continue to see dedicated
activists and humanitarians like the Apcar women.”
To view this special event, please watch the Western Prelacy T.V.
program on Sunday, May 7th at 9:00 a.m. on Horizon. For a copy of
this book, please call the Western Prelacy at 818-248-7737.