Rev. Bayrour Shernezian’s Insights on Lebanon’s Conflict

Over Easter weekend last April, members of Waukegan’s St. Paul Armenian Apostolic Church welcomed the Very Rev. Bayrour Shernezian. Invited by the church’s board and pastor Father Daron Stepanian, he participated in the Holy Friday Candlelight Service.

Rev. Shernezian, originally from Beirut, studied at the Armenian Theological Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon, for eight years. In 2020, he became the seminary’s dean while also managing an orphanage with 40 children of various backgrounds. During his visit to St. Paul Church in Waukegan, Rev. Shernezian provided updates on the situation in Lebanon.

Rev. Shernezian addresses the congregation at St. Paul Armenian Apostolic Church. He continues to keep in touch with the church, sharing information about Lebanon.

Military operations by combined American-Israeli forces against Iran persist, with a fragile ceasefire reportedly in place. Israel concurrently conducts operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, targeting infrastructure in Beirut. Recent air strikes have occurred in residential areas in southern Lebanon, highlighting Israel’s focus on militants.

Rev. Shernezian remains connected with the congregation and seminary, informing them of the effects on civilians. He stated, It is unfortunately a battlefield between powers affecting a small, diverse, and beautiful country. Lebanon consists of Christians, Orthodox, Protestant, Evangelical, as well as Shiite, Sunni, Alawi, and Druze Muslims. We are all neighbors and citizens of Lebanon.

Bombardments are concentrated in southern Lebanon and near Beirut’s airport. Over one million people have fled these areas, moving north and east. They are on the streets, living in cars due to lack of shelter, Rev. Shernezian explained. The government has offered schools and soccer fields as temporary shelters with tents. However, the future remains uncertain, especially for those suffering from an economic crisis that wiped out their bank savings.

Father Stepanian highlighted the displacement of families whose homes were destroyed due to militancy accusations. Innocent people suffer without justification, he remarked.

Rev. Shernezian noted Israel sometimes warns residents to evacuate before attacks, yet timing remains unpredictable. The fear of being targeted prevents people from helping refugees because they might host someone accused of terrorism.

Bombardments are constant background noise across Lebanon. You hear it everywhere, as it is a small country, he added. Despite these challenges, Rev. Shernezian emphasized the perseverance and hope of young people seeking stable lives.

He said, Even if the war ends, there are no assurances. Young people value life and remain hopeful, desiring a fresh start. Nonetheless, Lebanon often becomes a battleground for various political factions.

Arda Haroian Bowles, a St. Paul board member, expressed the importance of Rev. Shernezian’s direct communication. It aids regeneration and appeals to the youth by emphasizing truth and individual value.