Last April during Easter weekend, members of Waukegan’s St. Paul Armenian Apostolic Church welcomed the Very Rev. Bayrour Shernezian. Invited by the church’s board and Father Daron Stepanian, Rev. Shernezian helped lead the Holy Friday Candlelight Service.
Originally from Beirut, Rev. Shernezian attended the Armenian Theological Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon, for eight years. In 2020, he was appointed as the seminary’s dean. He also manages an orphanage for 40 children from diverse backgrounds.
During a visit last April, Rev. Shernezian addressed the congregation in Waukegan and continues to provide updates on Lebanon’s situation. According to news reports and Rev. Shernezian, United States and Israeli forces have conducted military operations against Iran for over 100 days, despite a fragile ceasefire. Concurrently, Israel’s military has targeted Hezbollah militants and infrastructure in Lebanon, including Beirut.
Recent air strikes in South Lebanon have significantly impacted residential areas. Rev. Shernezian remains connected with his church and seminary, informing them of the civilian challenges in these regions.
‘As always is, it is a battlefield, unfortunately between powers against a small country, a very beautiful country, where there are different religious denominations living together,’ Rev. Shernezian observed.
He emphasized Lebanon’s religious diversity, noting the presence of various Christian and Muslim sects, including Shiite, Sunni, Alawi, and Druze. Despite political tension, locals view each other as fellow citizens rather than strangers.
The bombardments have forced more than a million people to flee to northern and eastern Lebanon to escape shelling. Many have resorted to living in cars or tents provided by the government, highlighting the humanitarian crisis amid an economic downturn.
Rev. Shernezian described the dire economic situation, explaining how people lost all their savings due to the crisis. He emphasized the struggle of losing lifelong earnings when nearing retirement.
Father Stepanian noted the senseless displacement of families whose homes were destroyed, purportedly due to militants hiding in buildings.
Despite warnings from Israel to evacuate areas before attacks, uncertainty remains. Escaping residents often face danger as bombings continue in ‘safe’ areas thought to harbor terrorists.
Rev. Shernezian discussed the persistent fear of bombardments and its effects. His seminary routinely endures the noise, echoing the widespread prevalence of violence.
The crisis discourages Lebanon’s youth, who, despite aspiring for a better future, are hindered by recurrent conflict. Nonetheless, there remains a sense of resilience and hope for renewal.
St. Paul board member Arda Haroian Bowles highlighted the importance of Rev. Shernezian’s firsthand updates. She stressed that communication can inspire regeneration and help young people realize their worth.