BISHOP MESROP PARSAMYAN, DIOCESAN PRIMATE

Messages Written by Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan is the Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, one of the main branches of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the United States. Born in Yerevan, Armenia, he studied at the Gevorgian Theological Seminary of Holy Etchmiadzin and later pursued advanced theological education in Europe. Ordained as a celibate priest in 2003, he served Armenian communities in Armenia, France, Switzerland, and eventually the United States, where he became known for his pastoral leadership, teaching, and outreach work.

As Primate, Bishop Mesrop oversees Armenian churches and clergy across the eastern United States, guiding religious, cultural, and educational programs for Armenian Americans. Since his election in 2022, he has focused on engaging younger generations, strengthening Armenian Christian identity in the diaspora, and expanding the Church’s presence through media and community outreach. He also represents the Armenian Church in interfaith and public settings, helping preserve Armenian spiritual and cultural traditions in American society.

CHOOSING GRATITUDE

As the Olympics have just come to a close, there’s something interesting that I want to share with you. Did you notice that a bronze medalist is generally more joyful than a silver medalist at the end of a game? You’d think it would be the other way around, right? But it’s a fact, backed by research, that bronze medalists usually experience more happiness than those who win the silver.

Now, logically, you might assume that a silver medalist should be happier—they came so close to the top spot! But the human mind doesn’t operate on logic alone…

HONOR THE LORD

A hundred years ago, the Olympics were held in Paris, just like they are this year, and a Scottish athlete named Eric Liddell found himself facing a tough decision. Eric was a devout Christian, and his preferred race, the 100 meters, was scheduled on a Sunday. To Eric, honoring the Lord’s Day was non-negotiable. Despite the pressure and the world’s expectations, Eric refused to run. Instead, he chose to honor God by keeping the Lord’s Day holy.

On the morning of the race, one of his teammates handed him a piece of paper with the Bible verse 1 Samuel 2:30 written on it: “I will honor those who honor Me.”

EMBRACE THE GIFT OF TODAY

We often mark our calendars with days we think are the most significant: our birthdays, New Year’s Day, the first day of school, graduation day, the day we get engaged, our wedding, or the birth of our first child. Maybe for you, it’s the day you win a tournament or make a groundbreaking discovery.

God has orchestrated these monumental days with His providence, especially for us. But let me tell you, every day given by God is a blessing, even the most challenging ones. The psalmist reminds us, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

A TALE OF TWO BROTHERS

Two brothers lived side by side on adjoining lands. One was the head of a large family, while the other lived alone. One night, the older brother lay awake, thinking about his younger brother. He thought, “My brother lives alone; he does not have the companionship of wife and children to cheer his heart as I have. While he sleeps, I will carry some of my sheaves into his field.” And so, he did.

At the same time, the younger brother was also awake, thinking about his older brother. He thought, “My brother has a large family, and his necessities are greater than mine. While he sleeps, I will put some of my sheaves on his side of the field.” And so, he did.

CULTIVATING FAITH IN THE NEXT GENERATION

“We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done” (Psalm 78:4)

A Sunday school teacher once had a discussion with a person who firmly believed that children should not be given formal religious instruction but should be free to choose their own religious faith when they reached maturity.

The teacher, not wanting to disagree outright, decided to demonstrate her point. She invited the person to see her garden. As they walked in, the visitor was taken aback. “Do you call this a garden?” he exclaimed.

THE BEST IS YET TO COME

There was an elderly clergyman who fell seriously ill. His right side was completely weakened; he couldn’t walk, and his eyes could barely see. One of his clergy brothers came to visit him. They sat together, reminiscing about the past. With a heavy sigh, the visiting brother said, “Hayr Soop, our best days are behind us.” But with a sudden burst of strength, the ailing clergyman lifted his head, looked towards the heavens, and said, “No, my dear brother, our best days are yet to come when we shall see our Lord Jesus Christ in His glory, standing at the right hand of God.”

THE FLAME OF HOPE

Four candles were placed on an altar, their gentle flames casting a warm glow in the silent room. In the corner, a child was hiding near the light and warmth of the candles, staring calmly without blinking. The surroundings were so silent and calm that the child heard the candles’ burning shutters as whispers speaking.

The first candle said, “My name is Peace, but I no longer desire to burn. The world is filled with conflict and strife. My light has lost its purpose.” And with that, the candle extinguished itself.

The second candle spoke, “I am Faith, but …

TRANSFORMED BY HIS GLORY

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration. In Matthew 17, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up to a high mountain. There, He is transfigured before them: His face shines like the sun, and His clothes become dazzling white. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appear, talking with Him. Overwhelmed, Peter suggests building three shelters. As he speaks, a bright cloud envelops them, and a voice declares, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”

Imagine standing on that mountain, seeing the radiant glory of our Lord, His face …

A LESSON FROM THE LIBERTY BELL

One of America’s most cherished symbols of freedom and independence is the Liberty Bell, cast way back in 1751. When I visited Philadelphia, I made sure to see the Liberty Bell. It’s a majestic sight, but you can’t help but notice something – the crack. Actually, it has several cracks. Right after it was cast, it developed its first crack. Over time, these cracks have become a part of its story.

Those cracks in the Liberty Bell remind us that freedom isn’t perfect. It’s not without its challenges and struggles. But those cracks also remind us of something else. Even though the Liberty Bell is cracked, it still rings.

THE MASTER KEY

At our diocesan center, we have many keys for all the entrance doors. Each key is designed to fit a specific door. If you don’t have the right key, you won’t be able to open that door and gain access. But when I was elected as your bishop, I was given the master key that opened them all. This master key is unique—it can unlock any door in our center, no matter how complex the lock.

Life is filled with difficult doors of decisions and circumstances, and each one requires a different key. We all face situations that seem impossible to unlock.