Artush Yeranosyan’s family is originally from Yerazgavors but has lived in Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh (NK) since 1999. He himself lived in Artsvashen with his wife, Varditer, and their eldest son, Garegin. The youngest, Grigor, lived in Ishkhanadzor with his wife and their three children. In NK, Artush Yeranosyan owned two houses, a farm, an orchard. He was a very hard worker.

Grigor and Garegin, both non-commissioned officers, were in NK from the start of the conflict in September 2020. On October 4, 2020, the two brothers took part in a special mission and were caught in a blockade. Grigor saw Garegin die before his eyes. Unable to transport his brother’s body, he buried it on the battlefield, promising to recover it later. Following the ceasefire, the Azerbaijani government allowed families who had lost a loved one to carry out reconnaissance missions in the conquered territories. At first Grigor couldn’t find the spot where his brother had died. After Azerbaijan allowed him to enter the territory for the second time, he eventually found the body, wrapped it in his coat and brought it back to Armenia, to his parents.

Artush and Varditer Yeranosyan lost their eldest son during the conflict. And their youngest son is traumatized by the ordeal he has gone through. The whole family arrived in Armenia in a state of extreme destitution, having been unable to take anything with them but pain and sorrow. They settled in Yerazgavors, in the house that belonged to Artush’s parents. Abandoned for years, it was completely in disrepair. With the help of friends and neighbors, the Yeranosyan family was able to renovate the house and to make it habitable. Armenian Caritas (AC) contributed to this renovation by financing the installation of a heating system. In October 2021, the house was renovated and above all with heating installed. The Yeranosyan family will spend the winter of 2021 warm. Varditer expressed her gratitude by saying, “The help from Caritas was the spring that allowed us to bounce back.”

Artush is a hard worker. He never intended to remain inactive and depend on the charity of his neighbors. Since arriving in Yerazgavors, he was eager to resume the farming activities he had done before the conflict. Armenian Caritas (AC) bought 50 hens and 12 turkeys for Artush, 60 hens for Grigor, as well as the necessary animal food for six months. The two men now work, develop their farm, provide for their families. Artush explains: “We have to live, there is no other choice. We are living to honor the memory of Garegin and for our three grandchildren”.