Original 1947 AP wire photo captures a crowd around Armenian faith healer Avak Hagopian as he leaves the Armenian Apostolic Holy Cross Church in Los Angeles under police escort. The caption, dated June 1, says hundreds gathered for a glimpse of the 20-year-old mystic at his first public appearance there. An arrow identifies Hagopian near the center, surrounded by officers, onlookers, and news photographers. The church sign is visible above him. The caption is printed directly on the photo. A light Associated Press stamp appears on the reverse. Old tape remains at the corners, with corner wear and visible light patches or surface abrasion along the right side of the image; the caption is faint in places. Measures approximately 9 x 6½ inches. From the archive of a Pittsburgh area newspaper.
