Souren Antoyan: On the path of self-formation

Azad Hye
November 2006

Reported by Acacia Poladian

Tuesday the 17th of October 2006 was an honorable and memorable day for
Souren Antoyan. Organized by Hamazkayin’s Roupen Zartarian and Azadamard
club, the event was dedicated to the Armenian survivor who recently
published his autobiography, "Inknagerdoumi Djampov" (‘on the path of
self-formation’).

The book describes the path taken by Souren in order to fulfill his duty as
a self – devoted Armenian. The title already speaks for itself: It tells the
story of a man who had struggled through deadly and threatening moments in
his life and finally carved out the real life he chose to live, despite the
loss of his family, the separation from his mom and being in the orphanage.

The book points out the story of other national and cultural personalities
who had played a major role in educating Armenian generations. Souren
Antoyan has never thought of pulling back or retreating away from life
threatening situations and always showed the courage to continue overcoming
difficulties. He also took part in building the club and the school in
Ashrafieh (a suburb in Beirut).

Garo Hovhannissian presented the book, then the writer himself thanked all
the people present at the event, during which he received an award.

At the end of the ceremony bishop Kegham Khatcherian, presented Souren
Antoyan as a national hero, and an example that must be followed by every
single Armenian.

Priest Mesrob Kerkezian gave a heartwarming speech about Souren Antoyan.

Born during the Armenian genocide and already 91 years old, he is still
urging Armenians to build their own life path, inspired by his pioneering
work of organizing the Armenian community in Beirut.

See photos at:
621sjl41

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

http://www.azad-hye.net/news/viewnews.asp?newsId=

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS