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.
“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,” His Holiness Karekin II said.
“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,” he added.
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.
