Members of Waukegan’s St. Paul Armenian Apostolic Church met the Very Rev. Bayrour Shernezian over the Easter weekend last April. Invited by the church’s board and Father Daron Stepanian, he assisted in the Holy Friday Candlelight Service. Originally from Beirut, Rev. Shernezian studied at the Armenian Theological Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon, for eight years. In 2020, he became the seminary’s dean and took charge of an orphanage hosting 40 children of diverse backgrounds.
During his visit last April, Rev. Shernezian informed the congregation about conditions in Lebanon amidst ongoing military operations involving American-Israeli forces and Iran under a fragile ceasefire. Israel also targets Hezbollah militants and infrastructure in Lebanon. Recent airstrikes have impacted residential areas in southern Lebanon, focusing on militants.
Rev. Shernezian maintains communication with both the seminary and the church, updating them on affected civilian populations. He described Lebanon as a battlefield between external powers, emphasizing its rich religious diversity, including Christians and Muslims of various sects. He stressed that religious and cultural neighbors in Lebanon do not view each other as strangers.
The conflict chiefly affects southern Lebanon, near the Israeli border, and areas around Beirut, including the airport. Over one million people have migrated north and east to escape the shelling. Many displaced individuals live in their cars and temporary shelters, with the government providing facilities like schools and fields for tents. The economic crisis has worsened their situation, leading to lost savings and financial insecurity.
Father Stepanian remarked on the irrationality of displacing innocent families, and Rev. Shernezian explained the fears surrounding Israeli alerts before bombardments, leading to uncertainty and further migration of over a million Lebanese to safer areas. Despite seeking refuge, they fear that targets might lead to further attacks.
Rev. Shernezian describes the constant sound of bombardments as traumatizing, even heard at the seminary, stressing Lebanon’s small size. Young people’s hopes for a better future remain uncertain and fragile in this atmosphere. Yet, many remain hopeful and eager to restart, despite Lebanon being a recurrent battlefield.
Arda Haroian Bowles, a St. Paul board member, highlighted the importance of Rev. Shernezian’s direct communication. It’s crucial for truthfulness and helping young adults realize their value, offering a sense of regeneration.
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