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