Rev. Karekin Bedourian is on a new mission these days, one that leaves him staggering in his tracks.
In addition to spreading the word of God, the young pastor of St. Gregory Church in North Andover, Mass., is making an active pitch for Syrian relief efforts in his beloved city of Kessab and other Armenian districts throughout the land.
His inspiration and drive come from the stoic pictures he shows on the screen of devastated villages and churches turned to rubble. These same places of worship were once places of spiritual worship that warranted his services as a man of the cloth.
Among the casualties are St. George’s Armenian Church in Aleppo and Holy Martyrs Madoor in Der Zor, where the remains of genocide victims yearn for justice.
A man of unbridled strength, a tear is apt to cross his eyes when he sees the carnage of bodies being lifted and children wailing.
“It’s very sad when I see and hear that in all the places we used to spend our time, there is death and destruction now,” he says. “We don’t know what the future is holding for our people in Syria but the damage has already been done. Among them are members of my own family and many friends.”
A headline in a local newspaper stretches across the page: “Priest from Syria finds things in which to be thankful.”
The photo shows Father Bedourian seated in a pew inside his church, wearing a stern look. In this spirit of Thanksgiving, all is not despair for the beloved cleric of just two-and-a-half years.
“We’re thankful to have life and a church community where we can worship in peace and security,” he says. “Being thankful is the core of this holiday and it’s a good occasion to evaluate what we have.”
After rallying his own community at a Family Night dinner and raising $1,500 for relief efforts, Father Bedourian took part in an interfaith ecumenical service in North Andover. With clergy and congregation from area churches filling the pews, once again he spoke of the situation in Syria.
Earlier, a special plate collection in his church turned up $1,300 for the cause. More important than money, the word was being disseminated. A missionary had spoken. Many of those who donated had opened their generous hearts in other collections tendered by the ARS and other charitable groups.
“People are killing one another and we condemn that,” he speaks out. “We don’t know when it’s going to end.”
Growing up, he recalls Syria as a peaceful country with freedom for Christians to worship. His parents, two brothers, and two sisters still live in Syria, along with his in-laws. One brother was here visiting while Father Karekin was making the rounds.
Although there is no confirmed number of Armenian fatalities, Father Karekin feels it’s more than 50, with several more missing. The vast number represents the Armenian community in Aleppo.
Father Bedourian was born and raised in Kessab. He attended seminary at the Armenian Orthodox Church in Bikfaya, Lebanon. Upon graduating, he served as a deacon in Greece before being ordained in 2009.
Traditionally, the newest pastor in town is chosen to give the sermon at this Thanksgiving Interfaith service. He felt humbled by the request.
Meanwhile, millions of dollars are required to meet the urgent appeal of Armenians in Syria and those who have sought refuge in Armenia and other places throughout the Middle East.
“Armenia has opened its doors to those victims in Syria but their plight remains severe,” Father Bedourian confirmed. “Thousands of families fled to Armenia and neighboring countries to save themselves. They need our support.”
It was just a year ago that Father Bedourian and Yeretsgin Sevan returned to their native Kessab to have their daughter Meghti baptized. The atmosphere there at the time could best be described as tranquil. Since then, the Bedourians have welcomed a second daughter to their midst. Her name is Nareh.
While there, he took part in the funeral service of 104-year-old Kalila Yeralian-Manjikian, the town’s oldest resident, who they called Nene.
Tom Vartabedian
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