Challenges Faced by Lebanon Amidst Ongoing Conflicts

Last April, St. Paul Armenian Apostolic Church in Waukegan introduced the Very Rev. Bayrour Shernezian during the Holy Friday Candlelight Service. Invited by the church’s board and pastor Father Daron Stepanian, Shernezian hails from Beirut and spent eight years at the Armenian Theological Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon. Since 2020, he has served as the seminary’s dean and manages an orphanage for 40 children.

Almost 100 days into the joint American-Israeli military actions against Iran, a fragile ceasefire persists. According to reports and Shernezian, Israel continues operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, targeting infrastructures in Beirut. Recent air strikes have damaged residential areas in south Lebanon. Israeli forces maintain their stance on pursuing militants.

Shernezian, in contact with both the church and seminary, provides updates on the on-ground realities for civilians. “Lebanon is a battlefield between powers against a small, beautiful country with religious diversity,” he stated. Lebanon is home to Christians, Orthodox, Protestant, Evangelical, as well as Muslim denominations like Shiite, Sunni, Alawi, and Druze. Despite this diversity, citizens view each other as neighbors, not strangers.

Bombardments focus on south Lebanon and regions around Beirut. Over one million people have fled to northern and eastern areas seeking safety. “They live on the streets, in cars. Schools and soccer fields serve as temporary shelters, but their future remains uncertain,” Shernezian reported. The economic crisis adds to their plight as many lose life’s savings held in banks.

“Families are displaced when homes are destroyed, accused of sheltering militants,” Stepanian said. “This senseless action affects innocent people.”

Shernezian shared, “Israel informs areas to evacuate before bombardments, but timing is unpredictable. Refugees move to safer areas, which Israel sometimes targets, claiming terrorists are present.” Fear deters some from aiding refugees, and the sounds of conflict echo throughout Lebanon, impacting even the seminary.

Youth in Lebanon face a discouraging situation. They yearn for a better life with no guarantee, yet hope persists. “Lebanon often serves as a battlefield for political authority disputes,” Shernezian commented.

St. Paul board member Arda Haroian Bowles emphasized the value of direct communication. “This engagement regenerates hope and highlights the truth and worth of young lives,” Bowles said.