NEW YORK — On May 26, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Theology degree from the General Theological Seminary (GTS), the leading Episcopalian seminary in the country, with a long history of collaboration with the Armenian Church.
GTS President Ian Markham conferred the degree on Bishop Parsamyan during a Baccalaureate Evensong and Blessing of Graduates service in the seminary’s historic Chapel of the Good Shepherd. Honored alongside the Primate was Bishop Jeremiah Williamson, the new Episcopal Bishop of Albany.
Diocesan Vicar Fr. Simeon Odabashian, St. Nersess Seminary Dean Fr. Mardiros Chevian, and St. Vartan Cathedral Vicar Fr. Davit Karamyan accompanied the Primate.
Bishop Mesrop called the ceremony “a deeply humbling and memorable moment for me. The Armenian and Episcopal churches share a long and meaningful bond. Over a century ago, in the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide, it was the Episcopal Church that first opened its doors to Armenian survivors arriving in America. They not only welcomed our people but also offered us the opportunity to celebrate the first Armenian badarak in America within their sanctuaries. That legacy of compassion and ecumenical solidarity continues to inspire us today.”
He added: “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Dean, faculty, trustees, and entire GTS community for this great honor. To stand in that historic chapel, where generations have been formed in faith, and to feel the embrace of friendship from our Episcopalian brothers and sisters was truly moving.
“May our churches continue to walk together in faith, bearing witness to the healing love of Christ in a broken world.”
