Chapter 5, Mr. X or Captain Pogossian Summary and Analysis

Although Gurdjieff hears of Sarkis Pogossian while living in Kars, he does not meet the man until going to Echmiadzin on a quest to learn more about the supernatural and to find answers to his many questions. He remembers witnessing a faith healing near the village of Diskiant, and a special church service to bring rain to Kars, which seemed to have worked. Gurdjieff selects Echmiadzin because it is the spiritual and cultural center for Armenia.

Upon arriving in town, Gurdjieff seeks out Pogossian to deliver a parcel of linen from his parents. The two young men discover that they have many common interests, including many questions about the supernatural, and Pogossian invites Gurdjieff to stay with him, which Gurdjieff accepts. Although nearing the end of his studies at the Theological...