Asbarez: Armenian Authored Book, ‘Faithful Saints of Christ,’ Newly Published

“Faithful Saints of Christ,” a new book written by five Armenian authors, has been published. The book was inspired by Armen Simonian, founder of First Christians Alliance Outreach, a non-profit organization, and his fascination about the faithfulness of Armenians during the events surrounding the defining Battle of Avarayr in 451 AD. The theme of the book is about the perseverance of Armenians (and Christians in general) under severe persecution throughout history while holding onto their Christian faith.

To produce this book, in addition to writing a couple of sections himself, Armen commissioned several scholars and authors to write different sections/chapters of the book. While the book covers the specific details about the faithfulness of Armenian priests, nobles, and military soldiers and leaders before and after the Battle of Avarayr against the tyranny of the Persian Empire, it also includes other important sections which offer a more complete and broader picture of the faithful saints of Jesus Christ.

Specifically, these sections cover the definition of a faithful saint, fundamentals of Christian faith, faithfulness from a Christian perspective, history of Armenia’s Christianity and the Armenians persecutions for their Christian faith (including the Armenian Genocide of 1915, the hidden Armenian genocide of 1918 in the northwestern cities and villages of Iran, and the most recent genocide in the Nagorno-Karabakh area), and the worldwide persecution of Christians today. The book also includes over 50 pages of beautiful color photographs of Armenian national icons as well as monasteries and churches in Armenia, Iran, and Jerusalem.

The book is authored by Mr. Christopher Zakian (Director of Communications for the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America in New York), Dr. Michael Papazian (Professor of Philosophy at Berry College in Rome, Georgia), Dr. Rosemary Hartounian  Cohen (Sociologist/Professor/Author/Artist), Armen Simonian (Real Estate Developer/Agent), and Zorik Pirveysian (Pastor/Retired Environmental Engineer).

The “Faithful Saints of Christ” is written primarily to honor the Lord Jesus Christ since this book is all about His saints. Concurrently, the book is intended to: 1) honor the memory of the Armenians soldiers, priests, and ordinary people who have willingly and courageously laid down their lives for their Christian faith, 2) educate traditional Armenians and others about the Biblical sainthood and the foundational beliefs of Christianity, 3) stir up the hearts of young and old Armenians today to return to the faith of their forefathers, and 4) raise awareness about, and encourage support for, Christians who are being persecuted today throughout the world. 

The ultimate goal for this book is to use the net proceeds from the sale of this book (and other donations) through FCAO for funding a well-written movie script and eventually making a movie about the Battle of Avarayr inspiring people globally.

The book can be purchased online, and is sold at Abril bookstore in Glendale.