The book "A Path" by Tovmas Arakelyan was presented during Armenia TV's Morning Show (video).
The book "A Path" offers a captivating exploration of Christianity, delving into its stories, sacraments, rituals, and customs. This fascinating journey was unveiled during a television presentation on Armenia TV's Morning Show. The event featured editor
Tatevik Nalbandian, the editor of "A Path," highlighted that this work serves as an invaluable conversational guide about Christianity, presented in the form of insightful journeys. "The author's reverence for these topics is palpable throughout the book. Tovmas Arakelyan doesn't just relay information; he does so with unwavering conviction and passion, which resonates deeply with readers. His love and dedication are palpable, and readers are easily drawn into his narrative. Often, we find ourselves unsure of how to approach clergy or understand certain rituals, such as receiving the blessed bread or addressing a priest with the phrase 'bless me, father.'"
The editor of the book views this publication as immensely significant. By embracing our identity as Armenian Christians without separating our Armenian and Christian aspects, we gain a deeper appreciation for Christianity at the ritual level, rather than delving solely into theological matters. "We often find comfort in performing these rituals, but if we're honest with ourselves, our understanding of them may be lacking. Much of our adherence to these traditions stems from habit and tradition, which are undeniably powerful forces," she explains. “The author emphasizes that while dogmas and doctrines are outlined in the Holy Book, rituals and ceremonies were developed by church fathers, and customs were shaped by our Christian ancestors. However, there is a gap in our knowledge of these practices. The author aims to educate us about these traditions, fostering a deeper understanding and a conscious commitment to preserving them. Notably, the author adeptly utilizes modern technology to communicate his ideas effectively, demonstrating his ability to convey complex concepts in clear, concise language”.
Priest Abel Kartashyan from the Diocese of Tavush underscores Tovmas Arakelyan's commitment to embodying God's word in everyday life, much like the apostles did. "We must always adapt to the tools of our time. Just as there is the "Path" leading us to God, contemporary platforms like Instagram and TikTok can also serve as pathways to spiritual enlightenment," he asserts. He acknowledges the challenge of encapsulating centuries-old traditions into a single book, noting that embracing the Armenian Apostolic Church is a lifelong journey of self-discovery. Despite its accessible language, the book maintains a strong scholarly foundation, as evidenced by its extensive bibliography.
The author mentioned that the book "A Path" quickly sells out and receives numerous positive reactions from readers. "Newmag collaborates with various bookstores, and readers also order the book through the newmag.am website. I receive many emails from Instagram followers who receive their book within half an hour after ordering. The book sells out rapidly, and the "Antenor" printing house promptly prints new batches."
Tovmas Arakelyan attributes the success of the book to the collaborative efforts of a professional team. "The success of this book is owed to the collective effort. Firstly, I must acknowledge the Diocese of Tavush and the individuals who supported me throughout the initial stages of the book's publication. Secondly, I am grateful to Newmag's highly skilled team, whose dedication and expertise turned our vision into a remarkable reality."
The book adopts an artistic approach, fostering an intimate dialogue with its readers. Tovmas Arakelyan underscores the significance of simplicity without compromising depth. "Clarity is crucial, yet not at the expense of depth. It's about conveying profound ideas in an accessible manner, devoid of superficiality. We strive to offer spiritual nourishment, not spiritual fast food."
Tovmas Arakelyan explains that the title of the book, "A Path," originates from the early conceptualization of Christianity. While it wasn't the official label for our faith, the term "path" was frequently used before "Christianity" became prevalent. It's referenced sporadically in the "Acts of the Apostles". The designation "Christians" was first applied to us in Antioch".