Welcome, Medz Mama Vartanoush Krikorian Kaprielian!

In this episode, Vietnam veteran and trauma psychologist Michael Manoog Kaprielian shares the story of his bond with his paternal grandmother, Vartanoush—a survivor of the Armenian Genocide. From childhood memories and living by her side to honoring her legacy through global humanitarian work and a life-changing family reunion, Manoog takes us on a journey of history, healing, and rediscovery.

Vartanoush Kaprielian (1900–1986) was born in the city of Mush—known as Muş in modern-day eastern Turkey and historically part of Western Armenia. During the Armenian Genocide (1915–1923), 1.5 million Armenians were killed under the Ottoman Empire. In Mush alone, over 140,000 Armenians were targeted.

Vartanoush was one of the few who survived. She had two older half-sisters, Moulan Khatchadourian and Vardouhi Marabian. Shortly before the genocide, she fled with her mother, Gulizar, from Mush to Tbilisi, Georgia. While tending to wounded Armenian fighters there, she met her future husband, Michael Kaprielian—Manoog’s namesake—while caring for his injuries.

They fell in love, married in Tbilisi, and began a remarkable journey eastward across the Trans-Siberian Railway. After passing through Russia and reaching Japan, they eventually arrived in the United States. They settled in Providence, Rhode Island, where they raised seven children—five of whom survived—and helped build what would become a vibrant Armenian-American community of genocide survivors and their descendants. Their family was, and remains, a strong pillar of that community.

Amid the chaos of genocide, Vartanoush’s sisters and uncles were separated and eventually resettled in Yerevan, Gyumri, and the remote village of Dzorashen, Armenia. Decades later, through Manoog’s determination, a missing branch of the family was found—reuniting relatives and honoring the resilience of a grandmother whose quiet strength continues to inspire.

About Today’s Guest – Michael Manoog Kaprielian:

• Member of the Providence Armenian Relief Society
• Life member of Vietnam Veterans of America and the NAACP
• First man elected to the board of the Armenian International Women’s Association
• Recipient of honors from the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Georgia
• Lecturer on PTSD and the psychology of the Armenian woman
• Founding board member of Alzheimer’s Care Armenia

Big thanks to sound designer/musician Aris Buechele!
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Created by: Anoush Bargamian @themedzmamas
Story by: Michael Manoog Kaprielian
Photo: Michael Manoog Kaprielian
Sound Design by: Aris Buechele @noiseship

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TheMedzMamas was established in late 2020 to celebrate and honor Armenian grandmothers' lives, stories, and perspectives.

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While we specifically feature Armenian grandmothers worldwide, anyone can enjoy the collection of stories. We serve as a multi-generational experience that teaches the value of our unique Armenian grandmotherhood experience within the fabric of our collective humanity.