Christos Papoutsy Resurrects Asa Jennings and His Ships of Mercy

On Sunday, June 22, Christos Papoutsy captivated two separate audiences in northeastern Ohio as he spoke about his new book, Ships of Mercy: The True Story of the Rescue of the Greeks, Smyrna September 1922. His first presentation at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Canton was preceded by a short presentation by Mary Papoutsy on the problems of tracing one's genealogy in Greece. Mr. Papoutsy's second lecture later that evening took place at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Akron, Ohio. Mr. Papoutsy devoted ten years to research as he traveled around the globe to uncover the truth of how hundreds of thousands of Greek refugees were saved. He has taken Asa Jennings from the scrap heap of history and restored him to a place of honor as a leader in the movement to rescue Christian refugees stranded after the collapse and defeat of the Greek army in the fall of 1922. More than 180 attended the talks, including Dr. and Mrs. Richard S. Moraites of Cincinnati, who drove more than nine hours round-trip to hear Mr. Papoutsy. The Papoutsys are active philanthropists and longtime supporters of AMHAS. Many copies of the book were sold and signed during his visit, and the Papoutsys have generously offered to remit 40% of book sales to AMHAS. The stop in Ohio was part of an international book tour that will keep the Paptousys busy for many months. A Greek-language edition will be available later this year. The lectures were sponsored by AMHAS, along with Holy Trinity and Canton AHEPA Chapter 59.

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