PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2024

On Thursday, January 25, 2024, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan welcomed distinguished faith leaders from throughout New York City to gather in prayer.

“It was a night that not only celebrated the diversity and unity of our Christian faith but also marked a significant milestone in the journey of the Armenian Church in America — the 125th anniversary of its establishment.”, Bishop Mesrop wrote on his Facebook page. He continued “I am deeply grateful to all who joined us, including esteemed leaders from various Christian denominations and communities. Your presence was a powerful testament to the hope and faith that unite us in the pursuit of a more compassionate and understanding world.”

Bishop Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church delivered the homily. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of New York, offered remarks and a benediction.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were Archbishop Demetrios (Greek Orthodox Church), Archbishop Mor Dionysius John Kawak (Syriac Orthodox Church), Bishop David (Coptic Orthodox Church), Bishop Paul Egensteiner (Evangelical Lutheran Church), Fr. Chad Hatfield (representing Metropolitan Tikhon), Fr. Sahag Yemishian (representing Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian), Rev. Julie Hoplamazian (representing Bishop Matthew Heyd), Rev. Nicolas Kazarian (representing Archbishop Elpidophoros)—and other brothers and sisters from the broad range of Christian traditions in the metropolitan area.

“May our shared prayers and the fellowship we experienced at St. Vartan Cathedral inspire us to continue working toward a world where unity and love prevail. Let it remind us that in unity, there is strength; in diversity, there is beauty; and in our shared humanity, there is infinite potential for good.” the primate concluded.

The event was part of the annual “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity,” which has been a feature of New York’s religious life since 1908.