By Grigoris BalakianImmediately after World War I, Grigoris Balakian, a prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church, set down this account of the massacres of Armenians instigated by the Ottoman government during that conflict, telling his personal story of endurance and commemorating the sufferings of named companions as well as the Armenian nation. Crediting his religious faith for his survival to bear witness, he could also have credited his proficiency in German, which rescued him from tight spots during his ordeal, which started with the opening move of arresting Armenian leaders. Those not killed were force-marched through the desert to Syria—if they lived. Balakian fills the framework afforded by that procedure with painfully observant descriptions of cruelty, expressions of gratitude to German railroad officials and fellow Armenians who concealed him, and detached recording of the magnitude of the crime perpetrated against the Armenians. At present, when denial of this crime is still heard, Balakian's testimony stands as vital refutation.
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