“If only the Turk had shot him, our grief would be different.” New Year turned into mourning in the home of the soldier killed on December 31

In the Micro neighborhood of Sevan, a large black ribbon is hung on the street entrance with the inscription “Moses 18.” Each second person in Sevan points to the house of the Moses family, as the news of the soldier's death has shocked the city on New Year’s Day, writes Sputnik Armenia.

The Ministry of Defense reported on January 4 that on December 31, 2021, around 10:50, Moses Tadevosyan was found at one of the combat outposts of a military unit stationed in Vayots Dzor, with a gunshot wound to the head. The soldier died on the way to the hospital. His fellow soldier has been arrested on charges of murder.

On that same day, the family was informed of Moses's death. In the morning, while women were caught up in pre-holiday frenzy, Moses's sister, Melanya, who lives in Masis, rushed to Sevan with her husband. Melanya’s husband said nothing to her, only indicating that they needed to be with the parents.

“My two brothers were in the army, serving in the same place. I spoke to my older brother, Joseph, in the morning, but Moses didn’t answer my calls. My husband was very nervous driving, and I didn’t want to talk to him so that we wouldn’t have an accident... I always believed in the New Year's miracle, waited for the New Year to make a wish that night. As I was entering their home, I prayed: ‘Lord God, I beg you, let there not be any light turned on in front of our building.’ The miracle did not happen; the New Year fairy tale fell apart as a small light was on,” says Melanya.

Even during our visit at noon, there is a light turned on in front of their building. Despite this, the one-room apartment of the Moses family is dim, and there’s no need to turn on the lights; everyone wants to find their corner in the shadows. The small house is crowded with people; everyone has gathered together. Moses has two married sisters and three brothers.

The older brother, Srpion, got married less than a month ago, has moved out, and rents a place. The other brother, Joseph, served alongside Moses and has now returned home for a few days. Their younger brother, Petros, is set to join the army next year. The home is filled with old furniture; the renovation is old too, and the cracked walls have been carefully covered with plaster. Only they know how they have squeezed in with six children and their spouses in a one-room apartment and lived without having a stable job.

Moses’s father smokes cigarette after cigarette and does not take his eyes off a framed photo of his son. Everyone is talking about Moses, sharing memories, and only Joseph, who served with him, remains silent, looking for an excuse to leave the house. However, their mother, Ms. Lilika, does not let him stay alone, warning the others not to take their eyes off Joseph.

Ms. Lilika recounts that Joseph was deceived and told that his brother had committed suicide, and he was allowed to go home for two weeks. “But I knew it was not a suicide because the boys said the gun attached to him didn’t fire. Moses had no issues with himself or with anyone else,” said Joseph as he stepped out of the room. He is due to return to service days later and continue to serve in the same unit.

The father, Aramais, says that right now, Joseph needs to be strong enough to serve in the same locations that remind him of his brother. “If only the Turk had shot him, our grief would be different; at least we would know he was defending the land. But my young and strong son was taken from me for a trivial reason,” says Aramais, adding that everything started from a minor argument.

The family has heard reports that the arrested soldier had received a reprimand from Moses for sleeping in the positions, which turned into an argument, and on the morning of December 31, he shot Moses in the head. However, they note that these are just rumors, and the reality is known only to three: Moses, the one who killed him, and God. The family, however, emphasizes that Moses was never known for aggressive behavior; he was a hard-working, disciplined, and respected young man. By the way, all four brothers did the same work—installed heating systems, dealt with electrical wiring. Age doesn’t matter; they all worked and helped their parents as best they could.

The parents say they will not involve their children in this entire process in any way—neither with the court nor with the justice system. Ms. Lilika emphasizes that her sons should not hold enmity against anyone. According to her, despite having a hard life, their children have always stood out with good behavior in the city.

“There have been days when my children have only drunk water, but when someone outside offered them candy, they didn’t take it, saying they had already eaten. We have seen a very heavy life; my husband and I have chopped wood, gone to the sea (they refer to Lake Sevan as the sea) to catch fish so that the children wouldn’t go hungry, but we’ve been happy to have each other. I have always thought that every job is for a person. Even now, I’m waiting for someone to call me to clean their house so that we can have some money for living,” says Ms. Lilika, her already swollen eyes moist again.

The parents and three brothers reflect on their loss, while Ms. Lilika speaks up as Srpion comes in, sits next to her, embraces her, and reminds her to be strong. At the same time, Srpion comforts his mother while explaining that Moses had vein problems, with the veins around his ankle turning black as if burned. Prior to his deployment, during check-ups, it was said he needed to undergo a more detailed examination, but Moses voluntarily enlisted to serve.

Moses would say, ‘Mom, you know how proud I am to be protecting you.’ Despite his foot pain, he pushed through, ensuring that no one would say, ‘Moses isn’t running well; you all run again.’ And now, he’s gone at the hands of his fellow soldier,” says Srpion, adding that he had no issues during service, and there were no complaints heard since Moses was psychologically prepared to go into service.

Srpion shares that immediately after the 44-day war, in which he also volunteered and participated, he went to Artsakh with Moses and Joseph. The older brother wanted the departing soldiers to see what the enemy looks like and what to expect from him. He notes that despite their parents’ struggles raising them, once they grew up, they understood that their home stood strong with four pillars—four brothers. And now, with one of those pillars missing, Srpion fears that the strong wind may cause their home to collapse.

At Srpion’s words, Ms. Lilika becomes emotional again, stating that everything has already fallen apart. Days later, both daughters, the older son, will leave for home; Joseph will return to service, and soon, in the summer, their younger son will join the army, leaving their home completely empty...

Through tears, Ms. Lilika remarks that she had many children so they could live together, so that none of them would feel alone...