Members of Waukegan’s St. Paul Armenian Apostolic Church met the Very Rev. Bayrour Shernezian during Easter last April. Invited by the church’s board and Father Daron Stepanian, he participated in the Holy Friday Candlelight Service. Originating 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 managed an orphanage serving 40 children from diverse backgrounds.

Despite his brief stay in the United States, Rev. Shernezian maintained his connection with the congregation. He has consistently updated them about the ongoing situations in Lebanon, particularly highlighting the impacts of military operations and the humanitarian crisis.

‘As always is, it is a battlefield, unfortunately between powers against a small country, a beautiful country, where different religious denominations live together,’ said Rev. Shernezian. ‘There are Christians, Orthodox, Protestant, Evangelical, and Muslim denominations, Shiite, Sunni, Alawi, Druze…there is religious diversity. We are neighbors, not strangers, in Lebanon.’

Since April, joint American-Israeli forces have been operating militarily against Iran, despite a fragile ceasefire. Concurrently, Israel has targeted Hezbollah militants and infrastructure in Lebanon. Recent airstrikes in southern Lebanon residential areas reflect Israel’s ongoing strategy against militant targets, as reported by Rev. Shernezian.

Many Lebanon residents, over a million, have moved to northern and eastern parts of the country to escape the bombings near the Israeli border and Beirut, notably near the airport. ‘They are on the streets; they live in their cars because they don’t have any place,’ said Shernezian. ‘The government offered some schools and soccer fields for tents, but residents face an uncertain future. Due to the economic downturn, many lost their entire savings.’

Father Daron Stepanian remarked, ‘Families lose their homes when militants hide in buildings. Attacking innocent people lacks sense.’ Rev. Shernezian added, ‘Israel often warns evacuations before attacks…but timing is unpredictable. Many who fled south Lebanon now reside in supposedly safe regions, yet even those areas experience bombings due to suspected terrorist presence.’

The constant bombardments and uncertainty have intensified fear and distrust. Many hesitate to welcome refugees, fearing that new arrivals might attract attacks. The relentless military actions have significantly impacted the daily lives and aspirations of Lebanon’s youth.

‘Even if war ends, there is no guarantee for them,’ said Shernezian. ‘The youth love life, yet their dreams are stifled. They want to restart their lives, but ongoing conflict stifles these efforts,’ he pointed out. He also mentioned Lebanon often serves as a battleground for external political entities.

St. Paul board member, Arda Haroian Bowles, emphasized the importance of Rev. Shernezian’s insights, stating, ‘Such direct communication is essential. It helps empower youth by conveying truth and affirming their self-worth as individuals.’