On Thursday, May 17, 2018, the Ararat-Eskijian Museum hosted the presentation of Dr. Garbis Harboyan’s latest book, “Odyssey of Armenian Doctors, Dentists, and Pharmacists during the Armenian Genocide” at Ararat Home’s Sheen Chapel in Mission Hills. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended and conveyed his blessings and message. He was joined by Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Torossian.
The program began with welcoming remarks by Museum Director Mrs. Maggie Mangassarian-Goschin. The “Ani” quartet presented a number of Armenian classical pieces. Mr. Sarkis Mahserejian spoke on the author’s painstaking research and emotional journey in preparing the comprehensive volume as well as his talent for combining the two worlds of science and culture, and thanked him for bringing this subject matter to light. On behalf of the Armenian-American Medical Society, Dr. Vartan Tachdjian lauded Dr. Harboyan’s lifetime of medical and scholarly achievements, wishing him continued successes. Ms. Seta Antekelian from the USC “Shoah” Foundation presented Dr. Harboyan’s biography.
The author himself presented the book. With accompanying photographs, Dr. Harboyan noted that the books tells the story of Armenian doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who were martyred during the Genocide as well as those who survived, leading Armenian doctors who served in the Ottoman Empire decades before the Genocide, and the names of Turkish doctors who murdered their Armenian colleagues. A question and answer session followed.
The Prelate delivered the closing message. He commended Dr. Harboyan for his lifetime of professional and personal service to our nation and for bringing to light the inhumane acts of Turkish doctors against their Armenian colleagues who were dedicated to helping people and saving lives. He thanked the organizers for their efforts as well. The Prelate noted that in ten days we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Republic of Armenia, which was founded a mere three years following the start of the Genocide, stating, “as we are familiarized with this important book during these historic days, the spirit and message of our holy martyrs and founders of the first Republic become one and reverberate as a call for justice and reparations, a call which resonates in this publication.”
A reception followed.