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.

HOPE BEYOND THE HEADLINES

The recent escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran is making headlines around the world, and many are asking, “Is this the beginning of something bigger? Is this the end?” It’s natural to feel shaken by the images of devastation and loss. War challenges our faith. It raises deep questions about where God is in the midst of such chaos.

But Scripture reminds us that these events are not new. From the beginning of time, humanity has known the pain of war and the longing for peace. When two armies meet, regardless of the cause, every soldier shares the same hope—to return home alive. In that moment, all differences vanish, and a shared desire for life and peace emerges.

OPEN THE WINDOW

One of the symbols of the Holy Spirit in Scripture is the wind (Gen 1:2, Acts 2:2). The word “Spirit” in Hebrew means “breath” or “wind,” so that the Holy Spirit could literally be called the “Wind” or “Breath” of God.

On the day of Pentecost, the apostles were all in the upper room tarrying, just as Jesus had instructed them, when suddenly the room was filled with the sound of a mighty rushing wind. It was the sound of power, of force, and of the presence of the Holy Spirit in that upper room (Acts 2:2).

BOLD AND PATIENT

Did you know that the lions in front of the New York City Public Library have names? That’s right. Their names are Patience and Fortitude. During the Great Depression, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia gave them those names to remind New Yorkers of the qualities they needed to get through tough times.

In the middle of a city that never sleeps, where millions rush by every day, those two lions have stood tall for over a century. Rain, snow, protests, parades, pandemics—you name it, they’ve faced it. And still they stand, strong and majestic, right where they’ve always been.

GOD KNOWS THE WAY

Texas is famous for its overpass bridges and highways. Roads going one way, lanes curving another direction, some rising high, others dropping low. It’s a maze of concrete and confusion, and yet somehow, it all works. Cars are moving, people are getting where they need to go, and even though it looks chaotic from the outside, there’s a design behind it.

That’s how God works in our lives. You may be in a season where things feel out of order. One moment you’re headed straight, then life curves left. You thought you’d be further along by now, but you hit a detour. You see someone else on an overpass flying by, and you wonder, “God, did You forget about me down here in this parking lot?”

WHEN THE DEEP CRIES OUT

Yesterday in Houston, I visited one of the most powerful sights I’ve ever seen—the Water Wall. Designed by famed architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee, it stands 64 feet tall, with 11,000 gallons of water cascading down every minute. The sound of the water was deafening, the breeze refreshing, and the mist touched your face like a whisper from heaven.

It reminded me of what the psalmist wrote in Psalm 42: “Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; all Your waves and billows have gone over me. But each day the Lord pours His unfailing love upon me” (Psalm 42:7-8).

WORTH THE WAIT

Living in a city like New York teaches you something about time. There’s a rhythm of speed and convenience—grab-and-go meals, fast deliveries, quick conversations. You can get a hot dog from a street cart in under a minute. It’s instant, it’s simple, and sometimes it hits the spot.

But if you want something more refined, a multi-course meal at a Michelin-star restaurant, you’ll need to wait. You might have to reserve weeks in advance. You’re going to wait for your table, and even after you’re seated, you’ll wait between courses. But when the food finally comes out? It’s an experience. It’s rich, it’s layered, it’s satisfying.

MEMORIAL DAY

On Memorial Day, across the United States, we pause to honor those who have fallen in defense of our nation. We remember the men and women who gave their lives so that we might live in freedom.

Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” That verse captures the essence of what this day means. It is about selfless love. These heroes didn’t just talk about freedom. They believed in it. They stood for it. And ultimately, they gave their lives for it.

HELD IN HIS HANDS

During the summer months, I like to take my evening walks from St. Vartan Cathedral to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and back—2.6 miles through the heart of New York City. And right there at the entrance of Rockefeller Center, there’s a famous statue of Atlas. This bronze figure is straining under the weight of the entire world on his shoulders. You can feel the pressure in his muscles. That’s how many of us are living. Carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders.

And yet, just across the street, tucked inside the quiet of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, there’s another statue. This one is of Jesus, just a boy. And He, too, is holding the whole world, but effortlessly in his hand. He’s not straining, He’s not …

THE GIFT OF TRUE FRIENDSHIP

We live in a world that tries to measure success by how many followers you have, how many likes you get, and how big your circle is. God doesn’t measure your life by your follower count. He’s not impressed by numbers; He’s looking for quality. And He knows how to send the right people into your life at the right time-people who see you, who get you, who know how to bring out your joy.

Proverbs 27:9 says, “A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” God never meant for you to walk through life alone. He created you for connection, for community. He knew there would be times when you’d feel overwhelmed, times when your smile might fade, and times when your faith might waver.

KEEP SINGING YOUR SONG

When I was 14 years old, my brother and I auditioned for the “Mankunq” boys’ choir at the Araratian Diocese. We were excited, full of dreams. The director, Mr. Shota Vardanyan, God rest his soul, listened to us sing. And after a few minutes, he looked at us and said, “I’m sorry, boys…I don’t think singing is really your thing. Try something else.”

My brother took those words to heart and stepped away from singing completely. But something inside me wouldn’t let go. There was a calling. The beauty of the hymns, their depth, their soul got into my spirit. I couldn’t walk away. I didn’t know how it would happen, but I believed God had placed that love for music in me for a reason.