On the 11th day of his 12-day road trip in Armenia, coach Johnny Mouradian headed north to one of the country’s most remarkable historic sites: Akhtala Fortress monastery in Lori province. The August 21 journey brought together the themes that have defined his trip-Armenia’s history, Christian heritage and the reading of Scripture at places that have witnessed centuries of faith and perseverance.
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Rising above the Debed gorge, Akhtala is unlike an ordinary monastery. Its church stands within the remains of a powerful medieval fortress, with massive stone walls and towers surrounding the complex. The fortress dates to the late tenth century, while the monastery’s main church is particularly celebrated for its remarkable medieval frescoes.
In an interview with Aravot.am, co-founder of the Armenian Lacrosse Federation, coach Johnny said that for him the destination was really special. He was very excited to meet Fr. Hetum Tarverdyan, with whom they have built a caring friendship from 2023 to now.
Coach Johnny each day of the road trip inspires young Armenians through Bible readings and shares the same message: “Bring a friend, bring a family member to church.” His mission that has accompanied him from Yerevan to Armenia’s historic churches, monuments and cultural landmarks, is designed to encourage Armenians to reconnect with the Christian faith and to invite friends and family members to church.
The visit to Akhtala also was accompanied with daily Bible-reading, for this day from the Old Testament Malachi 3: “Behold, I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And suddenly the Lord whom you seek will come to his temple, and the messenger of the covenant whom you desire, behold, he is coming, says the Lord Almighty. Who can endure the day of his coming, or who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap.”
For Mr. Mouradian, this experience became a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and of the miracles that can come through prayer. It also brought a deeper meaning to his connection with Fr. Hetum, who stood among the people at the roots of the story that has brought lacrosse to Armenia.
Years later, Mouradian returned to Akhtala during his road trip through Armenia. Standing in the same monastery where Fr. Hetum had prayed for Fr. Shnork Souin, he reflected on the remarkable connections between faith, prayer, Armenia,and the journey that began with the dream of bringing lacrosse to the country.
Johnny Mouradian was the main driving force behind bringing lacrosse to Armenia. He has extensive experience in the sport at virtually every level, from middle and high school to college, professional, and national teams, in both field and box lacrosse. Coach Johnny explained that the story of Armenian Lacrosse began many years ago, shortly after Armenia regained its independence, when he first travelled to the country with the Canadian Youth Mission to Armenia. During that visit, they brought lacrosse sticks and balls, stayed with a family in the village of Ararat, travelled around the country, and participated in community service projects.
It was during that trip that they first imagined that, one day, they would bring lacrosse to Armenia. About ten years later, Fr. Shnork Souin experienced serious heart problems and needed a heart transplant.
During this difficult period, he became acquainted with Fr Hetum Tarverdyan, who serves at Akhtala Monastery. When Fr Souin told him that he was waiting for a heart transplant, Fr Hetum promised to pray for him and explained that Akhtala Monastery was known as a place of miracles. That Sunday, Fr Hetum prayed for Fr Souin during liturgy at Akhtala. Only an hour after liturgy, while Fr Souin was in the United States, he received a call informing him that a heart had become available for his transplant. Fr Souin received the transplant and recovered. For Mr Mouradian, this experience became a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and of the miracles that can come through prayer.
Speaking about future projects, which we has discussed with Fr. Hetum, coach Johnny told: “We are always trying to get more children involved in the lacrosse program. I am very happy to have lacrosse in Akhtala. Fr. Hetum and I have talked about many things, including future cooperation through lacrosse and, importantly, our faith. I was also inspired to hear Fr. Hetum’s thoughts about my road trip and the Bible readings.”
For Coach Johnny, the future of lacrosse in Akhtala is about more than growing the sport. His conversations with Fr. Hetum reflect a deeper partnership-one that brings together children, community, faith and a shared commitment to Armenia’s future.
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
