Read Bishop Mesrop’s message on the retiring Roman Catholic Archbishop of New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan.
With heartfelt gratitude and warm friendship, I offer my sincere congratulations to His Eminence Cardinal Timothy Dolan on his retirement.
Cardinal Dolan has been more than a respected church leader—he has been a dear friend to the Armenian Church and to me personally. His kindness has been felt not only in public witness but in deeply personal ways.
After my accident, when I was recovering and unable to move freely, he came to the Diocesan Center to visit me, and he also arranged for the Mary Manning Walsh Center to receive me with care and compassion during my recovery. I will never forget the comfort, encouragement, and genuine brotherly care he brought that day. It revealed his true heart, as a shepherd who loves, who stands with his friends, and who walks with those who are hurting.
His support for our Armenian people—especially during the most challenging of times—his deep respect for our ancient Church, and his joyful spirit have strengthened our bond and enriched our shared Christian witness here in New York. I am grateful for every moment we have prayed, spoken, laughed, and served side by side in this city that we both love.
As he begins this new chapter in his grand and consequential ministry to our Lord, I pray that God will grant him peace, strength, and renewed joy. And I look forward to continuing the friendship we have built through faith and mutual respect.
Thank you, my dear brother in Christ, for your ministry, your heart, and the blessing you have been to us all.
Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan