R.I.P.

Armin, the Armenian Orthodox sacristan suddenly died in the Holy Sepulchre. Though not a priest, he wore the monk's habit because he was volunteering for the Armenian Apostolic Church at the Holy Sepulchre. he was only 30 odd yrs old, very polite, quiet, hardworking. He even came to us franciscans for spiritual direction. Needless to say, everyone was shocked. He was seen sitting near the Sepulchre at 6pm, then he went upstairs to the Armenian chapel to sing vespers but had a heart attack when he reached the top of the stairs.

Today was his funeral. The community of franciscans at the Holy Sepulchre went to the Armenian Cathedral for his funeral. I went to the Sepulchre to say a prayer for him and then joined the community when they came back from the funeral. We spoke of our memories of Armin. He is survived by a sister in Armenia. Requiescat in pacem.