In a letter dated May 17, 2022, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, confirmed the election of the Very Reverend Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan to the office of Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America.
Fr. Parsamyan was elected to that position during the opening session of the 120th Diocesan Assembly, which convened in New York and online on May 6.
Immediately following the announcement of the election result, Diocesan Assembly chairman Gregory Saraydarian (of Holy Martyrs Church, Bayside, NY) and secretary Laurie Bejoian (Holy Translators Church, Framingham, MA) sent a message to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, apprising His Holiness of the news, and asking for his blessing on, and confirmation of, the decision of the Assembly delegates. Catholicos Karekin II’s reply was addressed to these Diocesan Assembly officers.
In accordance with the Eastern Diocese’s Bylaws, with the confirmation of the Catholicos, Fr. Parsamyan now takes his place as the 13th Primate of the Eastern Diocese, succeeding His Grace Bishop Daniel Findikyan. We offer prayers of support and gratitude for both of these worthy churchmen, as they embark on new chapters in their respective distinguished ministries.
Read an English translation of His Holiness’ letter of confirmation below; click the link to view the Armenian original.
Click the following links to learn more about Fr. Parsamyan, and to read about the 120th Diocesan Assembly.
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From the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
May 17, 2022 / No. 513
TO: Mr. Gregory Saraydarian
Diocesan Assembly Chairman
Ms. Laurie Bejoian
Diocesan Assembly Secretary
Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
New York, U.S.A.
Esteemed Mr. Saraydarian and Ms. Bejoian:
We were gratified to be informed in your letter of May 6, 2022, that the Very Reverend Father Mesrop Vartabed Parsamyan has been elected as Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, by a majority vote of the Diocesan Assembly, convened in New York on May 6-7.
With our pontifical blessing we hereby confirm Father Mesrop Parsamyan’s election as Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, and extend our congratulations and best wishes.
We are most hopeful that with the help of the Diocese’s administrative and parish bodies, and with the support of our faithful, the newly-elected Primate will enjoy a fruitful service for the greater splendor of the Eastern Diocese of the United States.
With prayers to God, we ask the Lord to always keep the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church bright and unshaken, granting you good health and success in your church-loving activities.
With blessings,
KAREKIN II
Catholicos of All Armenians