Eastern Diocese

Website Contact the place of worship

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.

The start of this next phase of the St. Vartan Cathedral Restoration Project marks the beginning of an exciting new chap...
10/23/2026

The start of this next phase of the St. Vartan Cathedral Restoration Project marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our Cathedral, our Diocese, and of the Armenian community in New York City. Under the leadership and vision of His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, this historic undertaking represents a renewed commitment to preserving our spiritual home for generations to come.

Behind this historic undertaking is a dedicated team working together toward a shared vision. From our construction and fundraising committees to the Diocese’s media and marketing team, the Diocesan Center staff working on-site, and the many individuals contributing their time, expertise, and support, this project is truly a collective effort.

With exciting improvements ahead, including the installation of a world-class organ, we look forward with faith and optimism to the Cathedral’s anticipated reopening.

More than a restoration, this is a renewal of our spiritual home, a celebration of our history, and an investment in generations to come.

Together, we are building the next chapter of St. Vartan Cathedral!

10/22/2026

New England Clergy Gather for Continuing Education on Pastoral Care at the End of Life
October 19–21, 2026 | Contoocook, New Hampshire

Clergy from the New England Region of the Eastern Diocese, including Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, gathered October 19–21, 2026, at the Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, New Hampshire, for a three-day Continuing Education Gathering dedicated to the theme “Ministering to the Terminally Ill and Dying.”

The gathering provided an opportunity for clergy to deepen their understanding of the spiritual, emotional, and pastoral challenges surrounding serious illness, suffering, death, and bereavement. Through presentations, discussions, prayer, and fellowship, participants reflected on the sacred responsibility of accompanying individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult moments.

The gathering concluded on Wednesday, October 21, with a presentation by His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, bringing the three-day program to a close.

Beyond the educational sessions, the gathering offered a valuable opportunity for clergy to renew their bonds of brotherhood, share pastoral experiences, and encourage one another in their common calling.

View the photos here: https://gregory-of-narek.smugmug.com/New-England-CCE-2026/n-BVcn2Z

The faithful of St. Gregory of Narek Armenian Church in Cleveland welcomed Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Easte...
10/20/2026

The faithful of St. Gregory of Narek Armenian Church in Cleveland welcomed Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, for a blessed weekend of prayer, fellowship, and celebration.

On Saturday, October 17, Bishop Mesrop gathered with the parish’s ACYOA Seniors and youth for fellowship, activities, and an engaging question and answer session.

On Sunday, October 18, His Grace celebrated the Episcopal Divine Liturgy with parishioners and friends.

In his message, Bishop Mesrop reflected on unity, faith, and belonging. Like majestic redwood trees whose intertwined roots provide strength, Christian communities flourish when we support one another. We stand tall because we stand together.

Following the Liturgy, Bishop Mesrop blessed the newly elevated Khachkar memorial honoring the fallen heroes of the 44 Day Artsakh War, preserving their memory for future generations.

His Grace also blessed and consecrated the parish’s new handcrafted church doors, made possible by generous donors, dedicated volunteers, and Armenian artisan Aram Vasilyan.

A festive fellowship organized by the Parish Council followed, featuring a performance by the Narekatsi Dance Ensemble.

The Parish Council honored Rev. Fr. Hratch Sargsyan and Yn. Naira Azatyan Sargsyan for 15 years of devoted service. Bishop Mesrop bestowed a priestly pectoral cross (Lanjakhach) upon Der Hratch in recognition of his ministry, while Yn. Naira received a special gift for her contributions to parish life.

Der Hratch expressed the parish’s heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Mesrop for his visit, spiritual guidance, and continued care for the Cleveland Armenian community.

The weekend celebrated the living faith and enduring spirit of St. Gregory of Narek Parish, a community rooted together in Christ and in love for one another.

See the photo gallery: https://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Primates-Travels-/Cleveland-Welcomes-Bishop-Mesrop-Oct-17-18-2026

A weekend of faith, fellowship, and friendly competition!More than 250 young people from 17 parishes across the Eastern ...
10/15/2026

A weekend of faith, fellowship, and friendly competition!

More than 250 young people from 17 parishes across the Eastern Diocese gathered at Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church in Providence, RI, for the ACYOA Juniors Fall Sports Weekend, October 9–12.

Throughout the four-day event, participants came together for athletic competitions, worship, and fellowship, strengthening friendships and building lasting connections within the Armenian Church.

Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan joined the festivities, celebrating the enthusiasm and spirit of our youth and encouraging them to continue carrying their Armenian Christian faith forward.

A heartfelt thank you to the nearly 40 chaperones, clergy, youth advisors, and volunteers who helped make this memorable weekend possible!

View the full gallery from the weekend: https://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/ACYOA-Juniors/2026-ACYOA-Juniors-Fall-Sports-Weekend-Oct-9-12-2026

The Women’s Guild Central Council invites women to its “Sisters in Christ” retreat on Saturday, October 31, from 9:30 a....
10/14/2026

The Women’s Guild Central Council invites women to its “Sisters in Christ” retreat on Saturday, October 31, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Nersess Seminary in Armonk, NY.

The retreat will feature a conversation with Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, along with workshops led by Seminary Dean Fr. Mardiros Chevian and Spiritual Director Dn. Yervant Kuchukian.

RSVP by October 21 to [email protected].

Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan joined clergy from across the Eastern Diocese for two enriching days at the Mid...
10/14/2026

Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan joined clergy from across the Eastern Diocese for two enriching days at the Mid-Atlantic Clergy Continuing Education Gathering, held at St. Alphonso Retreat Center in Long Branch, NJ.

This year’s gathering focused on “Ministry to the Terminally Ill and Dying,” exploring one of the most sacred and sensitive aspects of pastoral ministry. Led by Dr. Sarah Byrne Martelli of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, the sessions offered valuable insights into accompanying those facing serious illness and the end of life, comforting grieving families, and bringing Christ’s hope and compassion into life’s most difficult moments.

Together with his brother clergy, Bishop Mesrop participated in meaningful discussions, shared pastoral experiences, and joined in prayer and fellowship, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and their shared commitment to serving the faithful.

A special highlight was Tuesday evening’s gathering at St. Stepanos Armenian Church in Elberon, NJ, where Bishop Mesrop and the clergy came together in prayer and worship, followed by a warm dinner graciously hosted by parish pastor Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian.

The Eastern Diocese is grateful for Bishop Mesrop’s continued dedication to fostering spiritual growth, fellowship, and pastoral development among our clergy. May God continue to strengthen and guide them as they faithfully minister to His people through every season of life.

Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church in Provi...
10/12/2026

Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church in Providence, RI, this past Sunday, joined by young people gathered for the ACYOA Juniors Sports Weekend.

On the Feast of the Holy Translators, Bishop Mesrop reminded the youth of their important role in carrying forward the Armenian Christian faith, language, and traditions passed down through generations.

Comparing the Christian life to a relay race, he encouraged the next generation to embrace the faith entrusted to them and carry it forward with courage, gratitude, and joy.

On the Feast of the Holy Translators, we recognize the spiritual and cultural awakening of a nation.When Mesrob Mashdots...
10/10/2026

On the Feast of the Holy Translators, we recognize the spiritual and cultural awakening of a nation.

When Mesrob Mashdots and Sahag the Parthian created the Armenian alphabet in 405 AD, their vision extended far beyond functional translation. They ignited a 700-year intellectual movement. Across generations, the successors Yeghishé, Movses, David, Gregory, and Nersess transformed the newly written language into a home for a vast array of language arts. Together, they redefined translation as the active work of making truth, faith, and human experience accessible to the Armenian people.�

In every word we preserve and pass on, we carry the torch of Armenian heritage forward.

On Thursday, October 8, Diocesan Vicar Fr. Simeon Odabashian attended a special celebration hosted by the Embassy of the...
10/09/2026

On Thursday, October 8, Diocesan Vicar Fr. Simeon Odabashian attended a special celebration hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Washington, D.C., commemorating the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.

Held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, the evening brought together distinguished guests to celebrate Armenia’s history, independence, and enduring national spirit.

Pictured: Fr. Simeon Odabashian with His Excellency Narek Mkrtchyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United States.

On Wednesday, October 7, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan welcomed supporters and prospective donors of the St. ...
10/09/2026

On Wednesday, October 7, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan welcomed supporters and prospective donors of the St. Vartan Cathedral Restoration Project for a special evening of gratitude, reflection, and prayer. The gathering celebrated those whose generosity has helped bring the Cathedral’s transformation to life, while inspiring new supporters to take part in this historic undertaking.

During the reception, Fundraising Committee members Melanie Dadourian and Laurie Onanian expressed their heartfelt appreciation to donors, emphasizing that this ambitious restoration would not be possible without their generosity and commitment.
Bishop Mesrop also shared his gratitude, reflecting on the profound emotions and memories he experienced while consecrating the Cathedral’s new cross, a powerful symbol of faith and renewal in the heart of New York City.

The evening continued inside the Cathedral with a candlelight gathering, where Restoration Committee member Haig Buchakjian presented an overview of the various phases of construction and the vision for the Cathedral’s future. Of the $36 million restoration project, just $4.3 million remains to be raised to fully realize this transformative vision.

The gathering concluded with a special prayer and candlelight service led by Bishop Mesrop, offering blessings for the donors and prayers for the Cathedral’s continued transformation.

Through the faith and generosity of its supporters, St. Vartan Cathedral is being renewed not only for today, but as a lasting spiritual home for generations to come.

View the Gallery: https://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/Cultural-Social-Events/St-Vartan-Cathedral-Donor-Reception-Oct-7-2026

Address

630 Second Avenue
New York, NY
10016

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 2pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Eastern Diocese posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Place Of Worship

Send a message to Eastern Diocese:

Shortcuts

Share