Watertown, MA – Under the auspices of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Eastern USA, a special book blessing ceremony of the book “Artsakh is Ours” took place in Watertown, MA on May 14, 2025 with the participation of the book’s author, Nayiri Mgrditchian.. The event celebrated the publication of this significant work, written by Nayiri Mgrditchian, edited by Tamar Hergelian, and illustrated by Mary Gharibian.
The author was introduced by Seda Aghamianz, the Vice-Chair of the ARS Regional Executive Board. In her introduction, she emphasized the significance of the book in preserving the history and culture of Artsakh, particularly for the younger generation. “Through this book, we are offering an important resource to our children, helping them to connect with their roots and to better understand the rich heritage of Artsakh,” Aghamianz stated.
Then, Hayr Hrant Tahanian, the Pastor of St. Stephens Armenian Apostolic Church conducted the blessing ceremony. His words filled the room with reverence and hope for the future of Artsakh and its preservation in the hearts of the Armenian diaspora. In his blessing, Hayr Hrant expressed the importance of passing on the stories and history of Artsakh to future generations, ensuring that its legacy remains strong in the collective memory of the Armenian people.
Author Nayiri Mgrditchian then addressed the audience, offering heartfelt reflections on the inspiration behind the book and the enduring spirit of the people of Artsakh. She highlighted several of the book’s featured landmarks, including the We Are Our Mountains statue and the Holy All Savior Ghazanchetsots Church of Shushi. Mgrditchian spoke of the resilience of the Armenian people and the unbreakable connection to their homeland, emphasizing that the book is not only a tribute to what was lost, but also a declaration of our unwavering will to return.
Artsakh is Ours is entirely written in Armenian, with a focus on educating and inspiring young readers about the rich history, culture, and landmarks of Artsakh. The book includes factual information about key sites such as Amaras, Dadivank, Stepanakert, and Shushi, illustrated with vibrant artwork that brings these treasured locations to life. The narrative is designed to help children not only connect with the history of Artsakh but also appreciate the beauty of its landscapes and the significance of its cultural landmarks.
The book is available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the ongoing efforts of the Armenian Relief Society in supporting the Armenian community and its cultural initiatives. Special edition puzzles were also released featuring landmarks of Artsakh. Community members can visit our website www.arseastusa.org/artsakh-book to purchase them.
The ARS of Eastern USA will also host a special virtual gathering with the author and its members on May 15.
