PRESS RELEASE
Haigazian University
From: Mira Yardemian
Public Relations Director
Email: mira@haigazian.edu.lb

The Derian Armenological Library Friends Present:
The Armenian Book – 2009 Publications

Beirut, January 22, 2010- On the occasion of UNESCO’s declaration,
"Beirut World Book Capital for 2009", the friends of Haigazian
University’s Derian Armenological Library organized a celebratory
evening entitled "The Armenian Book – 2009 Publications".

The event, which took place on Friday, January 22, 2010, in the
University Auditorium, opened with the welcoming word of the University
Librarian, Ms. Sonia Sislian, who acknowledged that, many prominent
Lebanese Armenian intellectuals, as well as recent young Armenian
authors, brought their part in the 2009 publications.

Keynote speaker, Director of the Khatcher Kaloustian Educational Center,
Mr. Garo Hovannessian, pointed out clearly that Armenia or the Armenian
spirit exists, wherever there are Armenians, Armenian writers and poets,
and Armenian books. "In this respect, the Derian Library is considered
an Armenia in itself", Hovannessian said.

He noted that in today’s difficult circumstances, publishing Armenian
books is considered as a heroic act, which requires an equivalent
attention and appreciation. "The Armenian culture should have a global
vision that embodies other cultures’ positive values without succumbing
to it", Hovannessian added.

He concluded his speech by wishing this celebratory event to turn into
an annual tradition especially that the Armenian culture and heritage
are on the edge of celebrating the 500 years of the printed Armenian
book.

After a short musical interlude, a piano piece, "Spring" of Gomidas,
skillfully performed by student Palig Ladoyan, and a poem "The Armenian
Book" of Jack S. Hagopian, gracefully recited by student Shoghig
Hovsepian, University President, Rev. Dr. Haidostian expressed his words
of thanks and gratitude to all the authors, appreciating their
unwavering efforts to publish Armenian books.

The event concluded with the presentation of special recognition
certificates to the authors and the representatives of editorial
committees. The recipients were, Kevork Apelian, Barouyr Aghbashian,
Father Hovsep Topalian, Sona Khedechian-Dzarouguian, Levon Djermaguian,
Mesrob Hayouni, Aline Hagopian, Shahantoukhd, Zani Shahinian-Mesrobian,
Father Krikor Chifchian, Aram Sepedjian, Bebo Simonian, Boghos Snabian,
Loussig Somounjian- Afarian, Anahid Doniguian, Yervant Pamboukian,
Yervant Kassouny, Salpi Kurkjian-Tashjian, Father Varant Kortmossian,
Aghavni Festekjian, Antranig Dakessian from the Haigazian Armenological
Review team , and Garo Hovannessian from the HASG Armenological Yearbook
team.

The ceremony ended with cutting a celebratory cake.