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.

AS A MUSTARD SEED

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus expands on the mustard seed metaphor, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a person took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all the other seeds, but when it is fully grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and nest in its branches.” (Matthew 13:32). It is one of the fastest-growing plants, the height of which reaches 3 to 4 meters in just a few months. The mustard seed is …

PERSISTANCE IN FAITH

St. James is known for his divine vision on Mount Ararat. According to tradition, while preaching near Nisibis, St. James learned that some doubted Noah’s Ark’s story. Determined to show proof, he embarked on a journey to Mount Ararat’s peak to find the ark’s remains. Saint James’ journey up the mountain is a metaphor for our own spiritual journey. He faced obstacles and challenges, yet he never gave up. His goal was not just to reach the summit but to seek a closer communion with God.

FAITH OVER DOUBT

Often, when facing a difficult choice, immediately after making our decision, we begin to hesitate, doubt, and worry, constantly asking ourselves whether we have done the right thing. We also experience doubt during prayer, questioning whether God hears us and will fulfill our requests. The Holy Scriptures say that in those moments, we are like the waves of the sea tossed and turned by the wind.

LET US THINK ABOUT OTHERS

Everyone has their own point of view on a given issue, but sometimes it seems that no one wants to hear and understand another’s point of view. We look at matters only from our point of view. However, if we do not make the effort to hear and understand others, then we cannot see their pain, suffering, or fears, nor can we see the injustices that they may have experienced. Apostle Paul advised the Philippians: “Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:4-5.

GRATITUDE

If we pause and reflect on our lives, we’ll discover countless gifts and blessings for which we ought to be deeply grateful to God. It’s from the depths of our hearts that we should express our sincere thanks.The power of gratitude is well-known to parents. When children continually ask for more without expressing appreciation for what they already have, a parent’s heart may grow heavy with …

ALLELUIA!

“Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty firmament!” Psalm 150:1

“Alleluia” in the Hebrews means “Let us bless God.” The verb “to bless” in this Psalm is used in the sense of “to praise” and in an imperative manner. This means it is not an offer or an invitation, but a command addressed to each of us. This is best seen in the last verse of Psalm 150 when the psalmist calls out: “All souls, bless the Lord.” All with souls are called to bless and glorify God “with joy… with sweet words… with audible speech… with the voice of thanksgiving” (Psalm 150:4-6).

RESTORATION OF HUMANKIND

In 1972, a mad and distressed Hungarian geologist attacked and severely damaged one of the world’s most famous sculptures, Michelangelo’s Pieta, located in St. Peter’s Cathedral at the Vatican.
After arresting the culprit and assessing the amount of damage he caused, the officials immediately started the restoration of the statue. Although this masterpiece of art was broken, it was not thrown aside but was carefully repaired and is still to this day, one of the crown jewels of the St. Peter’s Cathedral, restored with its new beauty.

SPEAKING OF HOPE

If you meet drivers who bought an expensive car and ask them about their car, they will talk for hours about its advantages and multifunctional capabilities. If you ask someone who bought a new computer about their computer, they will tell you about its power and capabilities. If you ask a gardener about his garden or greenhouses, he will tell you at length about the quantity and quality of his crops.

ALL SAINTS’ DAY

In the cathedral, a nine-year-old girl was mesmerized by the vibrant stained-glass windows. Curiously, she pointed to each one, turning to her aunt to ask, “Who’s that?” The questions followed one after another, identifying Saint John, Saint Peter, Saint Sahag, and Saint Mary until a moment of clarity dawned on her. With a triumphant expression, she exclaimed, “Now I know what a saint is! A saint is a person the light shines through!”

A NATURAL CATHEDRAL

At that moment, prayer seemed both inevitable and spontaneous. How could one not pray when faced with such splendor? The falls acted like a grand altar, constantly offering its waters to the sky and the mist like incense, rising and filling the air with its refreshing scent.
The spectacle reminded me of the words from the Book of Psalms, “The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1)…