CHRISTMAS MESSAGE OF BISHOP MESROP PARSAMYAN

Peace is one of the great themes of Christmas: the beautiful idea that flows through the story of Christ’s Nativity, and warms our hearts at this time of year. It was the message that the angels announced over the fields outside of Bethlehem, more than two thousand years ago: “Glory to God in the highest Heaven; and on Earth, Peace to those on whom His favor rests” (Lk 2:14). eace, of course, is something we all long for. We pray for peace among nations—for an end to hatred and conflict, and to the human waste of war. Likewise, we pray for inner peace: for

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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)…

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THE FOUR EVANGELISTS

In Christian tradition, the Four Evangelists are often symbolically represented by four living creatures as described in the Book of Ezekiel (1:5–14) and the Book of Revelation (4:6–8): a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. These symbols capture the essence of the message and the character of the Gospel each Evangelist conveys.
In the Armenian Church, we celebrate the Feast Day of the Four Evangelists—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Through their divine inspiration and human experiences, these extraordinary men crafted the Gospels, Աւետարան/Avedaran in Armenian.

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RELIGIOUS LEADERS OF THE AREA GATHER AT ST. VARTAN

The religious leaders of the area, with whom we share not just a geography but also a commitment to love and service, joined together in St. Vartan Cathedral to extend a warm welcome to me in my new role as the newly ordained bishop of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America. Their presence was a testament to the unifying power of faith and the collaborative work we all aspire to undertake for the glory of God and the betterment of His people.

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FIRST EPISCOPAL BADARAK IN DIOCESE

“Having received grace and mercy from you, Lord, we gratefully glorify the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.”

These beautiful words from our Liturgy express my feelings at this sacred hour. Today I am overcome with a spirit of thanks to the Lord—who took my life in His hands, shaped my soul, inspired my heart, rescued me from the shadow of death—and guided me, step by step, to this ministry in His service.

My gratitude to God is accompanied by the warmest thanks to my parents, my family, and my friends of a lifetime. They encouraged me to answer God’s call and have walked beside me, along this journey, nourishing my soul with their continuous support every single day.

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LESSONS FROM HOLY ETCHMIADZIN

Today, I stood in the sacred space that is the spiritual center of our nation: the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin. Though scaffolding lines the walls and dust fills the air, the cathedral remains a beacon of light and guidance for every soul that enters.
As I took pictures, I couldn’t help but think about how the ongoing renovations serve as a poignant metaphor for our spiritual journeys. Just like the Cathedral, we, too are works in progress.

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WHY?

“Why?” is a reflection of our human nature. We all pose this question, particularly during times of pain and suffering, seeking an explanation from God. Many of us have the misconception that understanding the cause of our pain will either alleviate it or at least make it more bearable. Scriptures tell us, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). All we know about God is thanks to His revelation.

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GROWING IN FAITH TOGETHER

Over the past months, working with members of the Diocesan Council, staff, and clergy, Diocesan Primate Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan has developed a “roadmap” for the Eastern Diocese, its parishes, and faithful, to help us live out God’s call over the coming years.
The Diocesan plan is titled “Growing In Faith Together”—and you can download a PDF file to read on your own, by …

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PRIMATE’S CONSECRATION DATE AS BISHOP ANNOUNCED

This week at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Supreme Spiritual Council held its winter meeting, presided over by His Holiness Karekin II. With its adjournment on March 3, the Council released its report, which includes announcements that will be greeted as welcome news to the entire Armenian Church, and to the faithful of our Diocese in particular. We wish to share them with you here…

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THE ENTHRONEMENT SERVICE OF THE 13TH PRIMATE OF THE EASTERN DIOCESE

In a joyous, dignified service at New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, Diocesan Primate Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan reflected on the Apostolic character of the Armenian Church as a call “to go forth” among its people, and into the world.

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