In his video message for Christmas, Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, reflects on the joy that entered Creation when Jesus Christ was born.   “The Creator of the universe humbled Himself to walk among us!” Bishop Mesrop says. “He came as a baby, born in a manger, who would share our joys and sorrows, heal our wounds—and redeem our lives.   He continues: “When Christ walked among mankind, He showed us the heart of God. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, welcomed the outcast. And He still walks with us, today. In every challenge, every joy, every moment of life, God is present.”

On Armenian Christmas Eve, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan offers a musical gift to the faithful of the Armenian Church, as he sings “Miraculous Birth” (Ծագումն Հրաշալի): the haunting hymn that announces Christmas Day, and the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian accompanies on the St. Vartan Cathedral organ, in a production by Harout Barsoumian. A special thank you to our gracious parishes of Holy Martyrs, St. Leon, St. Thomas, and St. Gregory the Enlightener, for helping us to film in their sanctuaries.

In a special video message, Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, walks us through the journey of the Holy Muron, from the steps of Holy Etchmiadzin to the streets of New York City, all the way to your local parish. On September 28, 2024, His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, led the "Blessing of Muron" service, whereby the holy oil used in the sacraments of every Armenian Church across the globe was sanctified. On October 4, 2024, Bishop Mesrop led a special service at St. Vartan Cathedral, where he distributed the newly blessed Holy Muron to the clergy of the Eastern Diocese. As Bishop Mesrop says, "It is always an event that brings out he best in the Armenian people, raising our eyes to the mystery of the Holy Spirit, and opening our hearts to the love of God." Watch the video to learn more.

In a special video message to the faithful, Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, reflects on the upcoming ceremonies at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. On September 28, 2024, His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, will lead the rare "Blessing of Muron" service, whereby the holy oil used in the sacraments of every Armenian Church across the globe will be sanctified. A day later, on Sunday, September 29, His Holiness will reconsecrate the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, opening again to public worship after a decade-long restoration. As Bishop Mesrop says, "We will all be united—all our faithful, around the world—by the sanctifying oil that will be blessed on September 28." Watch the video to learn more.

In this short video message, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan reflects on a glorious summer of activity, and welcomes the fall season of uplifting, energetic, sacred and cultural events across our Diocese. Most of all, he conveys his deep gratitude for the support that makes all of these activities possible: “It’s your support, your prayers, your involvement that keep our ministries thriving!” Bishop Mesrop says. Your generous gift to the annual Bishop’s Appeal will help the Eastern Diocese expand its outreach and programming for the coming year. In the words of our Primate: “Your generosity is a gift from God. And it’s making a difference!” Click the link below to your contribution to the Bishop’s Appeal. https://armenianchurch.us/donate/

Watch a short video montage of the episcopal consecration ceremonies at Holy Etchmiadzin in Armenia, on Sunday, October 8, 2023. In a moving liturgical service, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, consecrated Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan and other worthy clergymen as bishops of the Armenian Church. The new Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan is the Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, headquartered in New York City.

As we approach Thanksgiving 2023, Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, greets the faithful in this short video message. “Soon, we will be gathering with our loved ones, to celebrate that most meaningful of American holidays: Thanksgiving,” says Bishop Mesrop. “I invite you to reflect on the great theme of this day. It sounds so simple; but it has such profound implications for us: The Power of Gratitude.” Watch the entire message here.

A Christmas Blessing from Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America.

On Armenian Christmas Eve, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan offers a musical gift to the faithful of the Armenian Church: the haunting hymn that announces Christmas Day, and the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian accompanies on the St. Vartan Cathedral organ, in a production by Harout Barsoumian.