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Copies of “Yergir 2 Yergir” (Country to Country), a greatly anticipated new 240-page photo-book by Hrair “Hawk” Khatcherian, have just arrived at the St. Vartan Gift and Bookstore, and this publishing milestone deserves attention.  Through the lens of a seasoned photographer, the book illustrates the ruins of historic Armenia standing in present-day Turkish territory—a region which knew the heights of civilization as the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia.

An introduction to these striking images is written by Claude Mutafian, the French-born Armenian historian and mathematician who has published several books on Armenian history.  Prof. Mutafian discusses the history of Armenian Cilicia and writes about the stories behind the images presented throughout the book.

Initially, the book presents panoramic views of fortress remains such as the Kala Fortress, Fortress of Sis, and the Fortress of Feke, that used to house Armenians.  As it progresses, other sites are presented with archival images juxtaposed against Khatcherian’s modern-day photographs.  The book generates interesting thoughts, as one notices the ancient photograph of the village in Zeytun, placed next to the ruins that exist there today, which traverse the mountainside.

Another interesting display in the book is of the St. Gregory Armenian Church of Kayseri, the interior of which has now been converted to a gymnasium.  There are views of other cities like Ani, Garmir Vank, Shabin Karahisar, and Bayburt in ruins, while there are also panoramic views of beautiful and vast nature scenes in cities like Yeshilova, Goghp, and the Dayk region.   A number of neglected monastery buildings and dilapidated church sites are also shown, along with a few pages are dedicated to “khatchkars” in various locations.

Overall, the book details Khatcherian’s collection of photos taken over several years of travel and exploration.  In a biographical statement he explains his efforts as the spiritual dedication of his talents and devotion to the Motherland—the ultimate Yergir.

“Yergir 2 Yergir” by Hrair Hawk Khatcherian is currently on sale in our bookstore.  The price for this exquisite, large-format coffee-table volume (14.75 x 11.25”) is $100—but if you order before August 15, you’ll receive a 20 percent discount off this price.  Note that additional shipping charges of $10.00 will apply.

To purchase, contact the bookstore: (212) 686-0710 ext. 152.

—Melanie Panosian, a junior at Muhlenberg College, is interning this summer in the Diocesan Communications department.

Hrair Hawk Khatcherian's new photo-book "Yergir 2 Yergir" features color images of historic Armenia.

The Fortress at Sis is one in a series of photographs of Cilician citadels.

The Monastery of the Virgins at Ani.

We are pleased to announce the publication of our 2011 calendar, which began arriving in homes last week.

Titled “Follow Me: In the Footsteps of Our Lord, Through the Holy Land,” the calendar guides readers on a journey through the milestones of Christ’s life and ministry—from the Holy Grotto in Bethlehem to the Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee, the Jerusalem countryside, the “Way of Sorrow,” Mount Tabor, and the Mount of Olives.

The calendar also provides a look at the centuries-old Armenian presence in Jerusalem. Photographs capturing the sacred rituals of the Armenian Church take readers to the heart of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem and its Sts. James Cathedral.

Lastly, the 2011 publication continues to build on the Diocese’s theme of “Vocations: The Call to Serve.” Excerpts from the gospels emphasize Christ’s call to walk in his footsteps and to take up pastoral ministry.

We hope the 2011 calendar will be an inspiration to you, and an encouragement to hear Christ’s call.

Of course, with just 12 pages of images, we were limited in the number of photographs we could feature in the calendar. To further explore the Holy Land through the lenses of our photographers—Arman Minasyan,  Garo D. Nalbandian, and Kevork Nalbandian—we invite you to visit our online photo gallery.

If you are not on our mailing list, please click here to subscribe. A copy of the 2011 calendar will be sent to you free of charge.