Book Blessing (Kinetson) May 1, 2013

Nearly 150 guests showed at the first book blessing for the novel, “A Perfect Armenian” as they entered the exotic world of Hagopian World of Rugs, a different reality was being created by the traditional Armenian music being played by the talented Ara Topouzian and his Ensemble. The rich textures and colors of the oriental carpets and the scent and visual pleasure of the Armenian foods pulled the guests deeper into this reality.

“Book store… not rug store,” one of my ahnbeedan (mischievous) guests whispered in my ear as she smiled and wolfed down and fresh choreg pastry.

“I know, I know. But this is better. Next time maybe a bookstore,” I replied.

Then, as I was getting into talking with different guests, a heavy but loving hand rested on my shoulder.

“Keri, everyone is waiting. When do you want to start,” Father Hrant Kevorkian asked.

“I guess we should start the program now. The place is packed.”

The book reading was intense because of the chapter I had picked. It was a flashback in the book with the protagonist’s grandfather and future father-in-law.

“I never realized you were such a good writer,” was a comment I heard frequently that night. What do you say to that except thank you and put on a big smile.

Earlier, Father Hrant asked me if I knew why wine was used to bless the book. I gave what I thought was the obvious answer, had something to do with the blood of Christ. But of course it actually has nothing to do with that. Wine is considered to be refined and is drunk by the upper echelons of society. Pouring wine on the book is an attempt to make it more refined and of a higher class. Hey, I think its working! The book I used for the blessing was the first book out of the first box that I received on 12/12/12. I made sure it dried out without the pages sticking and it is still readable but now with the scent of aged wine.

The book blessing or Kinetson was beautiful. It was performed by Father Hrant Kevorkian from St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church and also by Rev. Dr. Vahan Tootikian from the Armenian Congregational Church. It not only blesses the book but all those who read it. Wine is then poured onto the book in the shape of a cross. “Wine is a noble drink of royalty and our Heavenly King,” Father Hrant stated.

Finally, part of the blessing is to ask that our eyes to be opened to the knowledge within the book for all to see. May our eyes all be opened to see what is, what is not and what will be.

You can watch the full, uncut video here (or watch a shortened version at the top of this post):

04/24/2013 = 98th Armenian Martyr's Day Commemeration

In two years we will be commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. For some reason the Turkish government hates that word: "Genocide" which was coined by Raphael Lemkin. The term "genocide" was born by combining Greek genos (γένος; race, people) and Latin cīdere (to kill).

Over the years, the Turkish Government has indirectly forced politicians to find other words to take its place: "catastrophe", "victims", "tragedy", "slaughter", "atrocities", "massacres". Yes these are all good descriptions but it was still a Genocide.

A little history for those of you who are not in tune with this: In April 1915 the Ottoman government embarked upon the systematic decimation of its civilian Armenian population. The persecutions continued with varying intensity until 1923 when the Ottoman Empire ceased to exist and was replaced by the Republic of Turkey. The Armenian population of the Ottoman state was reported at about two million in 1915. An estimated one million had perished by 1918, while hundreds of thousands had become homeless and stateless refugees. By 1923 virtually the entire Armenian population of Anatolian Turkey had disappeared.

Armenians throughout the world are uniting today in spirit, in resonance, in energy, in consciousness.

God bless all of you,

Keri Topouzian

BTW: I just looked out the window and its snowing...

A Perfect Armenian Hits 10K... See Video

Breaking the 10,000 "likes" mark on Facebook, author, Keri Topouzian takes this opportunity to describe his new historical novel and its popularity.

Armenian Christmas is Today January 6, 2013 - Watch Video

Merry Christmas!  Why am I saying this now?  Until the 4th Century, BC, Christians around the globe celebrated Christmas on January 6.  The Catholics changed it to Dec. 25, but the Armenian Orthodox Church did not. 

"Merry Christmas in Armenian" is said like this:

"Kreesdos Dzunav Yev Haydnetsav!  Orhnyal eh Haydnootyoonun Kreesdosee."

which means, "Christ is born and revealed, Blessed is the revelation of Christ." 

"A Perfect Armenian" The Author Reads a Chapter