Tatul Sonenets-Papazian, veteran Armenian Revolutionary Federation leader who served as the director of the ARF Archives and was the editor of the Armenian Review, as well as the director of the Armenian Relief Society archives, passed away on Wednesday in Massachusetts.
The news of his passing was announced by our sister publication the Hairenik Weekly and the ARS Central Executive, both of which are headquartered in Watertown, Mass.
Sonents-Papazian retired as the Archives and Publications Director of the Armenian Relief Society in January 2024 after three decades of dedicated service.
Born in Cairo, Egypt, Sonents-Papazian pursued a university degree before starting a career as a graphic designer for various newspapers. In 1951, he joined the US Foreign Service, serving as the art and publications director for the US Information Agency. After six years, in 1957, he moved to the United States and became the executive director at the University Press of Cambridge. From 1972 to 1978, he collaborated with the Harvard University Publications Office to establish his publishing company. Following this venture, he worked as a freelancer in publishing, editing, and printing.
Sonents-Papazian has translated numerous books, poems, and articles. His most recent project is the English translation of Antranig Dzarougian’s “Letter to Yerevan,” which he completed in collaboration with Roupen Janbazian. He also translated Daniel Varoujan’s “Song of the Bread,” edited by Viken Tufenkjian. In addition to his translation work, he has made significant contributions to the activities of the Hamazkayin Theatre over many years.
His outstanding contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Mesrob Mashtots Medal from the Cilicia Catholicos, The Armenian National Committee of America-Eastern Region Vahan Cardashian Award, and the E. Agnouni Award from the ARS Eastern Region.
Sonents-Papazian also served on the ARF Eastern Region Central Committee.
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