Dr. Jesse Arlen, director of the Diocese’s Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center, will begin a new position at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA, as Lecturer in Armenian Studies, beginning with the fall term of the 2026-27 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 Diocesan 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.”

He went on: “While we will certainly miss him here at the Diocese, we are also very happy for him as he begins this new chapter at Harvard. This is a meaningful opportunity for Jesse, and also a beautiful recognition of the importance of Armenian Studies in the academic world.”

“It has been my honor to be entrusted with the care of this important cultural center,” said Dr. Arlen, “with its magnificent library, full of rich literary, historical, and theological treasures that I have had the joy to discover, steward, and share with others. I am glad that our move does not take us out of the jurisdiction of the Eastern Diocese, and will allow me to continue to contribute to the flourishing of the Armenian Church and community of America in a new place, and in new ways.”

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.