On Sunday, December 20, Following the Divine Liturgy and a spiritual message by Fr. Mesrop Ash, the faithful gathered at The Paul Family Hall for a Christmas Party Reception hosted by Parish Council.

Following the gourmet lunch, Fr. Mesrop Ash invited Irina Sargsyan, who is one of the Sunday School students to talk about the orphanage in Gyumri where she visited during the summer. Irina gave a brilliant power point presentation about the city Gyumri where her parents were born, and where she lost her grandmother and aunt during 1988 earthquake. In Gyumri, she visited the orphanage and promised that she will do everything in her power to help the orphans, so she prepared cards with her artwork printed and displayed in the hall along with her beautiful paintings. Irina captured the heart of the parishioners; everyone was touch by her presentation and within a short period $1,000 was raised. On behalf of the Parish Council, Dr. John Boghossian announced that the parish would match the amount, and donate a total of $2,000 to the Gyumri Children's Home. St. John Congratulate Irina and her family for inspiring the congregation.

Christmas festivities continued where Sunday School Students presented exceptional cultural program under the direction of Cecilia Baloian and Taline Movsessian. Group and solo recitations, a performance by Jr. Karoon Dance Ensemble and Christmas Carols and the visit by Santa Clause from Mount Ararat brought joy and Christmas spirit to the audience.

In his closing remarks Fr. Mesrop Ash thanked Charles and Steven Cherezian, Caroline Avedian and Paul Bazigian for organizing the delicious luncheon, as well as all the Sunday School teachers, students, and parents and to all the volunteers who made this event possible.