Barsamian was elected Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) in the spring of 1990 (succeeding Abp.

Torkom Manoogian), and was subsequently elevated to the rank of bishop by Vasken I (the late Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians), at the Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin.

Daniel Findikyan (now a bishop) was elected as Barsamian's successor and confirmed by Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Spiritual Leader of the Armenian Church.

As the former president of Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), Barsamian led the effort to develop Armenia and bring humanitarian assistance to its citizens.

He is a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and has received honorary doctorates from General Theological Seminary, Seton Hall University, and the Academy of Sciences of Armenia.