“People Are in a Feast, As If Nothing Happened”: Samvel Sevada

Artist, photographer, and poet Samvel Sevada wrote on his Facebook page yesterday:

“Feasting During a Plague

I'm deeply disappointed by the behavior of our population: Today, I decided to head towards Geghard to photograph the surrounding mountains and the stunning sky after today’s rain and yesterday’s thunderstorm. On the way, I stopped to take pictures. I was surprised by the number of cars heading towards Garni and Geghard. It was past 5 when I reached the outskirts of Geghard, and what I saw horrified me, which soon turned into discomfort and anger. There were hundreds of cars parked near the Geghard Monastery. People had come in large groups to the sacred site — half of them with incomplete masks, half without any, crowding into the church just like before, trading in the courtyard of the temple. Meanwhile, in the valley, barbecue smoke was rising. People were in a feast, as if nothing had happened. Not having even reached the parking lot, I turned around and returned to the capital. Along the entire route, there are barbecue spots, places to eat and drink, which are open and working, with visitors mainly without masks, mingling without a care in the world.

People have no conscience, no sense, no responsibility. They only know how to demand. And the virus doesn’t seem to be planning to retreat. I don't know what to call this foolish situation. I am very offended. People like me shouldn't have to fall victim to the brazen whims of ignorant, irresponsible individuals.

The government must surely remove its “velvet” gloves and take strict measures. Otherwise, this will end very badly.

P.S. I took this picture from a distance because it was not possible to get closer.”