“SOLDIER IS THE PROTECTOR OF OUR SPIRITUAL HERITAGE AND SANCTITY”

As the officers and soldiers, and religious leaders also get appointed in the regiments through lottery. A year and 7 months ago Volodya deacon Najaryan started to serve in the regiment named “Deers”.

– After 6 years of education in the Seminary I came to the regiment. The military system was very new to me, even I couldn’t distinguish the titles. I got used to a different atmosphere, I couldn’t imagine that somebody can blackguard, speak loudly near the priest. I was thinking – I am alone, they are a lot, how can I affect them?

– And I remembered that during my initiation the father of initiation said: “12 apostles turned the whole world. Can’t you create a spiritual atmosphere in one regiment?” And this idea inspired me. I believed that I can create an atmosphere of love, kindness, peace, patience, dignity and honesty.

Initially they were surprised seeing a priest in a uniform. But I said: “Why are you surprised? If needed, I’ll also take weapon and go to war like you”.

To resolve interpersonal conflicts I talk with them, I explain that with hostility towards each other you can’t eat together, sleep in the same place, go to positions.

SHOUSHAN STEPANYAN