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.

RISING FROM THE PIT

Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator’s Deliverance from the Pit. Over 1,700 years ago, King Trdat threw St. Gregory into a dark pit near Mount Ararat. It was a prison, a place of suffering, meant to break his spirit. St. Gregory endured unimaginable hardship for thirteen long years, but he never lost his faith. He trusted that God had a plan, even in his darkest moments.

This is a powerful story that resonates with each of us because, at some point in our lives, we’ve all found…

THE LONGING FOR A PERFECT HOME

Years ago, John Lennon of the Beatles wrote a very popular song entitled “Imagine.” This song encourages us to envision a world where there is neither heaven nor hell, no countries, and nothing to kill or die for—a world where all people live together as one, without selfishness.

Now, I can understand why this song resonates with so many. The idea of a world united in peace and harmony is truly beautiful. But, my friends, as attractive as this idea is, it overlooks a fundamental truth about human nature. The reality is, no matter how much we imagine, …

MEMORIAL DAY

Today is a special day—a day of remembrance, a day of gratitude, a day when we pause to honor the brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation and for our Homeland. Today is Memorial Day, a day when we reflect on the courage, dedication, and selflessness of those who laid down their lives so that we could enjoy the freedoms we hold dear.

In John 15:13, Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s …

WALKING BY FAITH

Did you know that the average pair of healthy human feet takes about 8,000 steps a day, 2.5 million steps a year, and walks about 115,000 miles over the course of a lifetime? Think about that for a moment. That’s a lot of steps! You thought you were tired, didn’t you? But here’s the thing—each of those steps represents a moment, an opportunity, a decision.

Scripture often refers to our lives as a walk, a journey that requires dedication, courage, and persistence. It’s not always easy, but it’s …

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

On this sacred day of Pentecost, we gather before You, humbled by Your divine presence and eager to receive Your abundant blessings. As we celebrate the wondrous descent of Your power upon the disciples, we open our hearts and minds to Your guiding light. Holy Spirit, fill us with Your wisdom and understanding. Grant us the clarity to discern Your will and the courage to follow Your path. Help us to shed our doubts and fears, and let Your flame ignite our souls with faith and fervor. …

THE SONG OF GRATITUDE

The greatest hymn we can offer God is our life’s melody. And the key to singing life’s song with passion and skill, as the Holy Scriptures emphasize, is the profound sense of gratitude. When the primary melody of our song is our gratitude for God’s goodness, the hymn of our life will resonate like a joy-filled chorus.

St. Paul writes: “Be careful, then, how you live … understand what the will of the Lord is … be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns …

THE POTTER AND THE CLAY

The Bible frequently uses the beautiful imagery of the potter and the clay. It serves as a powerful reminder of our lives in God’s hands. In the book of Genesis, we read: “The Lord God created man from the dust of the earth” (Genesis 2:7). The first man, Adam, was formed by God from the clay found on the ground. Then God breathed life into him, and he became a living being.

Just as a potter molds a lump of clay, God shapes our lives. The prophet Isaiah reminds us, “Lord, you are our Father. We are clay, and you are our maker.

“WHO MAY CLIMB THE MOUNTAIN OF THE LORD?”

When we think about a mountain, we often picture a vast, intimidating structure stretching towards the sky, its peak shrouded in clouds, majestic and unreachable. This image isn’t just a physical challenge but a spiritual metaphor for our journey towards God. How often have we looked at the challenges that tower over us like mountains and wondered, “How can I ever overcome this? How can I reach the top?”
The idea of ascending to the holiness of God can seem daunting. How can we, with our imperfections and daily struggles, ever hope to reach o such spiritual heights?

HAPPY MOTHERS’ DAY!

Blessed Mother’s Day to all mothers! This is a day of joy, gratitude, and profound recognition for all the mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures whose love and sacrifices have shaped our lives.

Mothers, your journey is a testament to strength and resilience. From the moment you embraced the role of motherhood, you took on the world in a profound act of love. You’ve shown us the purest form of sacrifice…

THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD

Today, we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. This sacred day marks forty days since the miracle of the Resurrection when Jesus, in His glorified body, rose above this earth to sit at the right hand of the Father.

In the gospel of Saint Matthew, we find Jesus’ comforting words to His disciples before His Ascension. He said, “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).