Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church and the Hamazkayin Siamanto Chapter on November 1 organized a book launch and presentation for “The Girl of the Mountains,” a novel by Sevan. The gathering brought together scholars, community members, and guests for an afternoon of readings, discussion, and the traditional Armenian celebration of a new book, known as kinetson.
Kohar Zaher opened the program by welcoming the scholars and guests. Historian Dr. Varuzhan Geghamyan described “The Girl of the Mountains” as three interconnected journeys: through Armenian history, through our shared humanity, and into ourselves. He emphasized that understanding the novel requires historical knowledge as well as heart and soul.
Through Vani’s experiences of sorrow, joy, opportunity, and loss, readers are invited to reflect on fundamental questions about who we are, where we come from, and where we are headed. He reminded the audience that, regardless of our age or where we live, there is a little Vani within each of us, one who is always ready for adventure and discovery, and eager to help shape the world we aspire to create. Ultimately, Vani’s journey becomes our own, reminding us that new possibilities, meaningful discoveries, and new beginnings always lie ahead.
Readings throughout the program introduced the audience to Vani, the novel’s main character, and her journey through Armenian history, homeland, and memory. Megheti Bedourian read from the opening chapter, in which Vani goes fishing by the sea with her grandfather. As he gazes toward Musa Dagh, a connection between the young girl’s world and the history of her people begins to unfold.
Nareh Bedourian read from Chapter 11, “The Fine Line of Nature,” which includes a scene in which an eagle carries away a chick. The passage offers a glimpse into the natural world surrounding Vani and the experiences that shape her understanding of life.
Garo Madenlian emphasized that Vani’s journey through her ancestral homeland brings Armenian history to life and embodies Hay Tad, the Armenian Cause. He described the awakening that unfolds through the novel’s adventures and suspenseful moments: history is alive in each of us, and Vani decides to do her part. He emphasized the importance of reading the book and sharing it with our children.
Jenny Kouyoumjian then read from Chapter 17, “The Past Speaks,” in which Vani and her friends, while on a pilgrimage, witness a worker uncover an Armenian cross-stone in the courtyard of a converted Armenian church. The stone is subsequently taken away, leaving questions about its fate.
Isabelle Kouyoumjian read from Chapter 27, “Secrets Beneath the Ruins,” in which the discovery of a cross belonging to Catholicos Sahag I recalls his forced departure from Cilicia. Together, these readings offered a glimpse into the novel’s suspense and its exploration of Armenian heritage, loss, and survival.
Sevan spoke about the book and the research behind it, followed by a question-and-answer session. Five years in the making, “The Girl of the Mountains” draws on historical research, personal memories of Kessab, and the author’s visits to historic Armenian sites with her husband.
Through Vani’s story, the novel brings together the warmth of family life, the beauty of the mountains and sea, and the painful history of displacement and cultural destruction. Written in English, it seeks to make Armenian history and heritage accessible to younger generations and readers beyond the Armenian community.
The program concluded with the kinetson ceremony and closing remarks, led by Rev. Dr. Karekin Bedourian, pastor of Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church. During this longstanding Armenian tradition, wine is poured over a newly published book to celebrate its publication.
In his concluding remarks, Father Karekin underscored the richness and depth of the book, emphasizing that it offers far more than information; it conveys lived experiences and the realities of life, giving the work a deeper meaning and unique value. The blending of these experiences with imagination brings the book to life, making it a meaningful and enriching read for all.
He commended the author and offered his blessings upon the book and all who would read it. He further expressed his hope that the book would contribute to a deeper understanding of our history, encourage us to explore our past, and inspire us to carry its lessons into the present, so that we may shape our future in the light of the invaluable heritage, wisdom, and experiences of our people.
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