The St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church of Oakland, Calif., will host a reception and book signing for Author Matthew Karanian and his groundbreaking new book “Historic Armenia After 100 Years” at noon on Sunday, May 31, Asbarez reports.

Karanian’s presentation will include photographs from Western Armenia and a discussion about the journey of creating this first-ever photographic guide to the historic and cultural sites of the Armenian homeland.

Karanian’s book, “Historic Armenia After 100 Years: Ani, Kars, and the Six Provinces of Western Armenia,” was released this year, and is the first book of its kind. The book features 125 color photographs and maps that illustrate the current condition of the churches and monasteries that still exist in Western Armenia.

Antique photographs from one century ago are also included, and demonstrate the destruction and vandalism that has occurred during the 100 years after the genocide.

Karanian says that the book “shines a light on the Western Armenia that defies eradication.” He portrays the book as a celebration of the historic Armenian homeland that has survived.

The book presentation is immediately following church services, and includes an optional lunch. Lunch tickets are available at the door for $15 adult, $10 child. The event is open to the public.