The tragic moments related to the destruction of Smyrna were presented in an event organized by the Association of Mytilene, in collaboration with the Pan – Pontian Federation of the USA and the Federation of Greek Societies. During the event the the book of Christos Papoutsy “The Ships of Mercy” was presented by the author himself.
The event was attended by the Consul General of Cyprus, Koula Sophianos and the Consul of Greece in New York. 40% from the sales of the book during the event was donated by the author – who was awarded an honorary plate from the President of the Association of Mytilene, Michalis Christodoulou – towards the fund of the national parade for 2011.
The book has been published in Greek by Kastaniotis Publishing House and the official Presentation will be held on the 7th of June.
Christos Papoutsy (Papoutsis) was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, a second – generation Greek – American. His father was born in Vatoussa, Lesvos (Mytilene) and his mother’s family was from Asvestochori on the outskirts of Thessaloniki. He is a successful business executive, semi- retired -wide and developing his company into a global leader in the electronics industry.
Mr. Papoutsy is a business graduate of Southern New Hampshire University, with post – degree studies at Harvard University in law, mediation, and psychology. In 1961 he received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from his alma mater. An active philanthropist in his local community and international circles, he holds the title of Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, among many other awards and distinctions.
He has lectured on business and business ethics at universities and institutions in Europe and the U.S., including Oxford University and the American – Hellenic Chamber of Commerce in Athens. In addition to his interest in business ethics, he has researched the Catastrophe of Smyrna extensively because of his contact with many Mikrasiastes on Mytilene, his father’s ancestral home, and has launched Hellenic Communication Service at the Web site: www.helleniccomserve.com and information service for Greek communities.
Ships of Mercy reveals the true heroes of Smyrna, forgotten by history. It is based on more than ten years of research by the Papoutsys, who traveled around the globe to document the rescue of hundreds of thousands of Greek refugees on the Smyrna quay in September 1922.
After more than a decade of preparation, this book uncovers surprising answers and displays previously unpublished materials. Vintage photographs, exhibits, naval war diaries and captains’ logs appear for the first time in the pages of this volume. “Ships of Mercy” dispels common myths about the evacuation of the refugees and documents clearly the real saviors in this enormous tragedy.
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