"The message penned by Father Minay's offspring in their recent correspondence advises against visiting the Germans."
Article Title: The Unyielding Spirit of Father Minai: A Tale of Courage During the Great Patriotic War
In the heart of the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945), an Armenian priest and writer named Father Minai Shmyrev emerged as a beacon of resilience and determination. This article focuses on his actions during the war and the profound personal loss he endured.
Father Minai was a significant figure in the Armenian community, known for his writings. However, details about his life after the Great Patriotic War are scarce in accessible English-language sources.
The war took a devastating toll on Father Minai's family. His children, Liza (14), Sergei (10), Zina (7), and Misha (3), were tragically killed on February 14, 1942, by the hands of the Germans. The grief from this loss did not deter Father Minai from seeking revenge.
Nicknamed "Bandit number one" by the Germans, Father Minai led a unit that carried out sabotage on the railway, particularly in the Vitebsk region. This strategic region was crucial for supply lines towards Moscow. Among their achievements, they derailed trains, depriving the Germans of ammunition, resources, and fuel.
Father Minai's primary motivation during the war was to avenge the deaths of his family. He was prepared to take his own life to save his children, and he kept a note from his eldest daughter, Liza, with him throughout the conflict.
Despite the risk, Father Minai considered launching a raid to rescue his family. However, such a move would likely have resulted in the destruction of his unit. Instead, he focused on his mission, distributing approximately 60 tons of flour to his unit and the local population during the war.
By August, Father Minai's unit had 50 people, and by September, it had grown to over 100. The unit also seized documents and killed officers from the Germans. However, the fate of Father Minai after the death of his children during the Great Patriotic War remains unclear, with no detailed information available in the sources indexed here.
For more insight into what happened next for Father Minai, the BELTA "Chronicles" project could provide valuable information. Yet, it is essential to note that this article does not discuss the creation of the "sonderghetto" in Minsk in 1941 or any court case involving Melekh and Vasyura.
Father Minai's story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and determination in the face of adversity. His actions during the Great Patriotic War continue to inspire and remind us of the sacrifices made by individuals in pursuit of justice and vengeance during times of war.
News of Father Minai's post-war activities remain scant in general news sources, despite his significant role in war-and-conflicts during the Great Patriotic War. Politically, his actions were symbolic, as he led a resistance against the Germans in the Vitebsk region, derailing trains and causing strategic disruptions.
