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Karapet DirlugianPriest of the Armenian Catholic Church
Country:
 Armenia |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Service to the Armenian Catholic Community
- Post-Revolutionary Era
- Arrest and Exile
- Later Years
- Legacy and Death
Early Life and Education
Karapetian Derloukianwas born in 1861 into the Derlugyan (Derlougyan) family residing in the Artvin region of the Russian Empire. He pursued his education at the Armenian Mkhitarist School in Venice, Italy.
Service to the Armenian Catholic Community
Upon his return to Artvin, Derloukian played a significant role in the Armenian Catholic community. In 1916, he became the chaplain to the Armenian Catholics in Moscow. Later, he relocated to Krasnodar to continue his ministry.
Post-Revolutionary Era
In 1931, Derloukian succeeded Father Dionysius Kalatozov as the Vicar Apostolic Administrator for Armenian Catholics in the USSR. He endeavored to adhere to Soviet laws and sought permission from the Armenian Central Executive Committee to dispatch priests to Leninakan and Stepanavan for religious services, but his efforts were unsuccessful.
Arrest and Exile
In June 1936, Derloukian was arrested in Krasnodar. Three months later, despite being 75 years old, he was sentenced to three years of exile in the marshy and unhealthy town of Loino in the Kirov Krai.
Later Years
After his release, Derloukian continued to serve in secret in small towns and villages in the Krasnodar Krai. Subsequently, he was compelled to relocate to Ochamchira in Abkhazia.
Legacy and Death
The date of Derloukian's death remains unknown, but it is certain that he survived past 1940. His unwavering dedication to the Armenian Catholic community during challenging times left an enduring mark on the religious landscape of the Soviet Union.
