Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan was among the community leaders receiving special honors this week from New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
In a ceremony overlooking the East River on a beautiful Tuesday afternoon, Mayor Adams hosted the annual Eastern European Cultural Heritage Reception at his residence, the historic Gracie Mansion.
The mansion’s garden was filled with festive spirits, celebrating the many cultures of Eastern Europe that have made their presence known across the city. Cultural music was played throughout the night, and tables were filled with an assortment of regional foods like pierogies and kebabs.
Speeches by various city and state council members all led to an address by Mayor Adams, in the course of which he honored Bishop Mesrop as a pillar of the Armenian community in New York City.
In his grateful remarks, the Primate honored the survivors of the Armenian Genocide who fled persecution in the Ottoman Empire and found a home in the United States. “This recognition isn’t about me,” he said. “It’s about the legacy of our ancestors: the survivors of the Genocide, who endured unimaginable hardship and yet, through faith and resilience, laid the foundation for the blessings we enjoy today.”
“They came to America, to this great city of New York, not just to survive, but to thrive. And they did—planting roots, building communities, and contributing to the beautiful mosaic of cultures that makes New York so special. Their resilience and faith remind us that no matter the challenges, when we stay rooted in hope, God will guide us to brighter days.”
Click here to view photos from the September 17 event.