VARTAN MATIOSSIAN PRESENTS ARMENIAN TRANSLATION OF ANTONIA ARSLAN’S BOOK OF MUSH

The Armenian translation of Antonia Arslan’s novel The Book of Mush was presented on Friday, October 10, in the Pagoumian Hall of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Douglaston, New York, presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate. 

Archpriest Fr. Nareg Terterian, Pastor, welcomed the attendees. The translator of the book, Dr. Vartan Matiossian, referred to the Homiliary of Mush—the thirteenth-century manuscript saved from destruction during the Armenian Genocide—and the episode related to it that became the basis for Antonia Arslan’s novel. He noted the detailed reconstruction made by the Italian-Armenian author, giving flesh and blood to the story of the two anonymous women whose courageous effort made possible that this masterpiece of Armenian culture found a safe haven. Dr. Matiossian read a passage from the book where the author described the Homiliary of Mush. 

Mrs. Arslan could not be present due to health issues but sent a brief pre-recorded message of gratitude, which was played at the end of the presentation. 

Archbishop Anoushavan closed the event, marking its symbolic value on the Feast of the Holy Translators—celebrated on October 11—and during the Armenian Culture Month. He also stressed the literary value of this work, expressing his appreciation for its depiction of an epic effort that echoed other acts of heroism by women in Armenian history.