Keurkune’s Historic Church

Vahe H. Apelian

 

My cousin Ara Apelian M.D. shared the painting above, his niece Christee Curran had painted, noting that “Christee is also a gifted author of children’s books, one already published, (“Sugar and spice and everything mouse”) soon others to follow. Christee is also an incredibly devoted mom to two daughters, Lauren and Ivy and she has a deep faith in our Lord and Savior Her amazing husband Russell serves in the military.”

Christee’s mother Arminee Curran is the daughter of Henry and Virginia Matosian Apelian. Virginia is also a gifted writer and painter. She is a psychologist and is the author and the illustrator of a children’s book and the author of “Musa Dagh Girl”. You may have guessed that Virginia is of Musa Dagh extraction, while her husband Henry hails from Kessab. Henry and Virginia were best man and maid of honor at our wedding and are the baptismal godparents to our son Daniel.

Along the painting what fascinated me was the realization that Keurkune’s 125 years old historic Armenian Evangelical Church’s legacy endures. The church played a pivotal life in the life of the villagers of Keurkune not only as a sanctuary for worship, but also as town hall of sorts where the villagers gathered to resolve issues pertaining to the village. It also served as a social hall, as a school, as a stage, and as a community center.

I have attached my blogs reflecting on the history of the church and its use as a school, as a stage, and as a community center..

 Keurkune's Historic Church: The Sanctuary - 1

 http://vhapelian.blogspot.com/2021/08/a-historic-churchs-historic-bell.html

 Keurkune's Historic Church: The Church Tower & The Bell  - 2

 http://vhapelian.blogspot.com/2021/08/a-historic-churchs-historic-bell_9.html

Keurkune's Historic Church: as a School - 3

http://vhapelian.blogspot.com/2023/07/keurkunes-historic-church-as-school-3.html

Keurkune's Historic Church: as a Stage - 4

http://vhapelian.blogspot.com/2023/07/keurkunes-historic-church-as-stage-4.html

Keurkune's Historic Church - as a Community Center - 5/5

http://vhapelian.blogspot.com/2023/07/keurkunes-historic-church-as-community.html