Eastern Diocese

Eastern Diocese The New York-based Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America serving 60+ parishes from the East Coast to The Rocky Mountains.

On Sunday, June 21, the Armenian Church of the Holy Ascension in Trumbull, CT, joyfully celebrated its 95th anniversary,...
06/23/2026

On Sunday, June 21, the Armenian Church of the Holy Ascension in Trumbull, CT, joyfully celebrated its 95th anniversary, honoring its rich legacy while embracing a promising new chapter in parish life.

His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and congratulated the faithful on nearly a century of vibrant witness and ministry in Bridgeport and Trumbull. During the service, Bishop Mesrop officially installed Dn. Armen Terjimanian as the parish's new Deacon in Charge, presenting him with the key to the church as a symbol of his pastoral responsibility and offering his prayers for God's guidance as he begins this new ministry.

The celebration also included the ordination of two acolytes, David Karapetyan and Michael Fomin, and one subdeacon, Ara Mnatsakanyan, reflecting the parish's continued commitment to nurturing the next generation of faithful servants.

Following the Divine Liturgy, parishioners and guests gathered for a festive anniversary banquet, where the recently retired longtime pastor, Rev. Fr. Untzag Nalbandian, delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the parish's remarkable journey and enduring faith.

May God continue to bless the Armenian Church of the Holy Ascension and its faithful as they build upon 95 years of service, fellowship, and devotion.

Today, we honor the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who help shape our families, strengthen our communities, a...
06/21/2026

Today, we honor the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who help shape our families, strengthen our communities, and lead with faith, love, and sacrifice.

May God continue to bless you with wisdom, strength, and peace as you guide the next generation with compassion and unwavering faith.

Happy Father's Day!

Today, we recognize the Feast of the Discovery of the Relics of St. Gregory the Illuminator.Following his death in the C...
06/20/2026

Today, we recognize the Feast of the Discovery of the Relics of St. Gregory the Illuminator.

Following his death in the Caves of Mané, Gregory was unearthed by the hermit Karnig in the 5th century. The found holy relics quickly became a powerful shield for our faith. When Armenian leaders faced severe pressure from the Persian Empire to abandon Christ, the Illuminator’s relics served as a rallying symbol of Armenia’s spiritual identity in the wake of the Battle of Avarayr.

Today, his right arm relic is preserved at Holy Etchmiadzin, where it serves the purpose of blessing the Holy Muron every 7 years, an intergenerational link to the Illuminator. As St. Gregory could not have converted the nation without the support of King Drtad, Queen Ashkhén, and Princess Khosrovitukhd, this feast stands as a permanent reminder that the survival of the Armenian Church calls for the active dedication and participation of all Armenians.

The Eastern Diocese was honored to welcome more than 40 participants of this year's AGBU Global Leadership Program to St...
06/19/2026

The Eastern Diocese was honored to welcome more than 40 participants of this year's AGBU Global Leadership Program to St. Vartan Cathedral as they begin an exciting summer of internships and leadership development in New York City.
On behalf of His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, who was unable to attend, Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian warmly greeted the group and offered his blessings for the journey ahead. The Cathedral's Vicar, Rev. Fr. Davit Karamyan, then led a tour of St. Vartan Cathedral, sharing the rich history, faith, and heritage that continue to shape our community.
The evening was also attended by Dr. Greg Kazanjian, Executive Director of the Eastern Diocese, and concluded with dinner and fellowship, giving participants the opportunity to connect with one another before embarking on their internship experiences across New York City.
We pray that this summer will be filled with growth, meaningful friendships, and opportunities to deepen both leadership and faith as these young Armenians begin this exciting new chapter.

With deep sorrow, the Eastern Diocese mourns the loss of the Reverend Fr. Arsen Avak Kahana Barsamian, who passed away o...
06/18/2026

With deep sorrow, the Eastern Diocese mourns the loss of the Reverend Fr. Arsen Avak Kahana Barsamian, who passed away on June 12, at age 94.

In the course of 66 years of priestly service, Fr. Arsen’s ministry touched generations of our faithful people. Born Steven Barsamian in South Milwaukee, WI, he discerned a calling to the priesthood at a young age, setting aside a promising future in music to devote his life to the service of God.

Throughout his life, Der Arsen embraced the role of teacher and author, dedicating himself to helping Armenian Christians rediscover the richness of their spiritual heritage and cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence in their daily lives. Through his books, articles, and pastoral guidance, he offered a vision of faith marked by dignity, peace, and devotion.

Read more about Fr. Arsen's faithful life and funeral arrangements: https://armenianchurch.us/in-memoriam-the-rev-fr-arsen-barsamian-1932-2026/

This past weekend, His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan visited the faithful community of St. Sahag Armenian Church in St. ...
06/18/2026

This past weekend, His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan visited the faithful community of St. Sahag Armenian Church in St. Paul, Minnesota for a joyful pastoral visit centered on worship, fellowship, and service.

During the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Mesrop ordained Fares Ghanoum to the Diaconate, Aram Krajekian to the Subdiaconate, and three young men to the rank of acolyte. Their commitment to serving Christ and His Holy Church is a powerful witness to the strength of faith in the next generation and a blessing for both the parish and the Diocese.

The visit also celebrated the vibrant spirit of St. Sahag, a parish whose faithful continue to preserve and strengthen the traditions of the Armenian Church with devotion and perseverance. Seeing young men step forward to serve at the holy altar reflects the bright future of the Church and its enduring mission.
Bishop Mesrop expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Fr. Nerses Krajekian and Yn. Sevan, the Parish Council, parish organizations, choir, altar servers, and all the faithful whose warm hospitality made the pastoral visit especially meaningful.

May God continue to bless St. Sahag Armenian Church, Fr. Nerses and his family, and all who faithfully serve this beloved parish. May the entire community continue to grow, renewed in hope, through faith, service, and the love of Christ.

Today, we celebrate Dr. Jesse Arlen, director of the Diocese's Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center, as he prepare...
06/17/2026

Today, we celebrate Dr. Jesse Arlen, director of the Diocese's Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center, as he prepares to begin a new chapter as Lecturer in Armenian Studies at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA, starting with the 2026 to 2027 academic year.

"We are deeply grateful for Jesse's dedicated service to the Diocese and to the Zohrab Center over these past five years," said Eastern Diocese Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan. "Through his scholarship, leadership, and commitment to Armenian Studies, he has strengthened the mission of the Zohrab Center and helped expand its important work."

During a farewell luncheon held in his honor, Bishop Mesrop presented Dr. Arlen with a Michael Aram sculpture as a parting gift, expressing the Diocese's gratitude and appreciation for his years of faithful service and wishing him every success in this exciting new role.

Dr. Arlen's official start date at Harvard will be July 1, and his last day at the Diocese will be June 30, 2026. Please join his colleagues and friends in congratulating Jesse and his family as they begin this promising new chapter.

On this day, the Armenian Church commemorates one of its most remarkable historical figures, St. Nerses I the Great. The...
06/13/2026

On this day, the Armenian Church commemorates one of its most remarkable historical figures, St. Nerses I the Great. The bridge between the foundations of our faith and the institutionalization of our values. His legacy is not just in his title, but in the hospitals, orphanages, and schools he built to care for the vulnerable. We remember his courage to speak truth to power and his unwavering dedication to the people.

With the blessing of Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, the Reverend Fr. Aved Terzian has been app...
06/12/2026

With the blessing of Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, the Reverend Fr. Aved Terzian has been appointed interim pastor of St. David Armenian Church in Boca Raton, FL, effective June 1, 2026.

A distinguished priest of the Eastern Diocese, Der Aved faithfully served as pastor and spiritual shepherd of Armenian Church of Our Saviour in Worcester, MA, for 38 years before retiring in late 2022. Throughout his four decades of ministry, he held numerous leadership roles and touched countless lives through his devoted service to the Armenian Church.

The Eastern Diocese extends its warmest wishes to him and Yn. Vivian as they begin this new chapter of ministry.

Our second Evening on the Plaza welcomed 200 guests for a memorable night under the lights of New York City at St. Varta...
06/09/2026

Our second Evening on the Plaza welcomed 200 guests for a memorable night under the lights of New York City at St. Vartan Cathedral.

Warm remarks were given by Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, who welcomed everyone and reflected on the importance of gathering together in friendship, fellowship, and faith.

With premium ci**rs, handcrafted cocktails, delicious bites, and great company, the plaza came alive with laughter, conversation, and the joy of reconnecting with old friends while making new ones. It was another beautiful evening celebrating community in the heart of Manhattan.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and we look forward to seeing you at the next Evening on the Plaza.

View the full gallery: https://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/DiocesanEvents/Evening-on-the-Plaza-Jun-4-2026

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