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.

In a video message, Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, encourages the faithful to fully experience the season of Great Lent. "Lent is, above all, a time of preparation," says Bishop Mesrop. "It prepares us to fully immerse ourselves in the great Mystery of the Christian faith: the profound drama of Christ’s suffering; his death on the Cross; and his miraculous, world-changing resurrection." In the Armenian Church, Lent this year begins on February 12, and continues through March 23, 2024. Find resources to enrich your experience of the season on the Ministries website of the Eastern Diocese: https://vemkar.us.

In this special video message, Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, announces a special milestone in the life of the Diocese. July 2, 2023 marks the 125th anniversary of the Diocese's founding. On the same date in 1898, Catholicos Mkrtich Khrimian—known to the ages as “Khrimian Hayrig”—issued the pontifical encyclical that officially established the very first Armenian Diocese in the New World. The 125th Anniversary will be an ongoing series of events, involving special liturgical services, cultural and social gatherings, and charitable outreach activities among our local communities. Find the complete schedule of events, continuing through April of 2024, at www.armenianchurch.us/125.