On Tuesday, May 20, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan was part of a solemn Ecumenical Prayer Service for Peace, hosted by Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Cathedral, in Brooklyn, NY.
The gathering of church leaders from the New York area commemorated the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea: a major milestone in the history of the universal Church, and a foundational development for Christian unity.
The May 20 service was offered in honor of the Most Holy Mother of God and centered on fervent prayers for peace in our troubled world. It brought together faithful from various Christian traditions, united in their shared proclamation of the Nicene Creed and bound by a spirit of mutual love and common faith.
Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan was among the participating hierarchs taking part in the service. He was accompanied by the Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar, and Fr. Hratch Sargsyan, Director of Ministries.
In his prayer, Bishop Mesrop lifted up a heartfelt supplication for unity among all Christians. He reflected: “When we say, ‘We believe’ in the Nicene Creed, we’re not just repeating ancient words—we’re declaring a living faith that continues to unite and strengthen us today.”
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Catholic Archbishop of New York, delivered a moving reflection on the enduring power of the Creed and its significance in our shared proclamation of faith. His words inspired all in attendance to deepen their commitment to Christian witness and communion.
Following the service, the faithful gathered for a warm fellowship, strengthening bonds of friendship and spiritual kinship. The evening stood as a poignant reminder of the enduring call to unity, prayer, and mutual understanding in our time.