Can’t come to grips with losing Karen Demirchyan
Grisha Hunanyan, 77, has been taking care of the tombs at Komitas Pantheon for 34 years and has always prepared for the visits on October 27 for the past 12 years. It would never cross his mind that one of the tombs would be that of Karen Demirchyan, who had awarded him for his good work.
"We are almost the same age. He could have lived longer," Grisha Hunanyan said.
Throughout these years, Grisha Hunanyan has witnessed several touching moments and can talk about them for hours.
Grisha Hunanyan only feels bad that he has the same last name as that of Nairi Hunanyan, who was the head of the group of terrorists that committed the crime of October 27. He especially feels bad when he meets with Karen Demirchyan's family members.
People started visiting the Pantheon early this morning to pay tribute to Karen Demirchyan.
"Karen Demirchyan was one of a kind. The Armenian people have never had such a caring leader," an 87-year old woman said as she tried to stop the tears from falling.
At the Pantheon was Karen Demirchyan's neighbor, Valentina Danielyan, who had had the opportunity to see Demirchyan in daily life. "He was a very simple, happy and an overall wonderful person. He sang and dance during celebrations. I remember how people would come and express their condolences to his brother, Kamo Demirchyan after Karen Demirchyan's death. Kamo would ask them to express their condolences to the Armenian nation, and he was right. The Armenian nation became orphans after losing him."
Builder Sergey Mehrabyan was also at the Pantheon. He had studied at Karen Demirchyan's school. "He was in a higher class and always stood out from the rest," Sergey Mehrabyan said.
Today, thousands of citizens visiting the Pantheon aren't able to come to grips with the loss, even though they haven't had any contact with him.
"I am 77 years old, but I can't forget him. I visit his tomb every year on October 27 and of course, his birthday on April 17," Anahit Sargsyan said.
