President Mary McAleese last night paid tribute to Dr Robin Eames, saying he was a man who had made a profound difference to the religious, political and social landscape over the last two decades.
She described him as having a deep faith and who has been a strong and insistent voice in urging tolerance and respect for others.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said the archbishop had led his church with conviction, courage and wisdom. His commitment to a better future for all people was "unwavering".
Archbishop Seán Brady, Catholic Primate of All Ireland, who attended the general synod yesterday, thanked Archbishop Eames and his wife Christine for the "support, advice and friendship" they had offered him since he arrived in Armagh in 1995, "often through difficult years". He was "deeply grateful for that friendship" and wished Archbishop Eames health and happiness in the years ahead.
The Archbishop of Dublin, Most Rev John Neill, spoke of how Dr Eames "provided for over 20 years a steady, strong and greatly-valued oversight of this church". There was "a deep sense of gratitude to you, and indeed for the way that God provided the right person for the right time".
Rev Des Bain, president of the Methodist Church in Ireland who was also present yesterday, thanked Dr Eames for his "courageous leadership and the valuable and considerable contribution you have made on this island and beyond".
In a statement, Presbyterian Moderator Dr Harry Uprichard said his church had appreciated the warmth of Archbishop Eames's personality and his commitment to good relationships.