On Sunday, September 15, 2024, St. John Armenian Church joyfully celebrated the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, one of the most significant feasts in the Armenian Apostolic Church calendar. The celebration was marked by a sense of reverence and community, as the faithful gathered for the Divine Liturgy and participated in the sacred tradition of the Antasdan—the special adoration service at the conclusion of the liturgy. This ancient rite, conducted in the church courtyard, is a time-honored way to offer prayers for the four corners of the world. As part of the tradition, basil, which had been blessed during the service, was distributed to the congregation, symbolizing healing and blessings.

As this celebration fell on the third Sunday of the month, a special healing prayer service was also held, allowing parishioners to pray for physical and spiritual healing. The theme of the day’s sermon was centered on the healing power of the Holy Cross, emphasizing forgiveness as a transformative force that restores and renews individuals and communities.

Adding to the day's joy, St. John also launched its Sunday School year, with the theme "God Loves the Whole Me." Under the dynamic leadership of Sevag Sarkissian, supported by a dedicated team of teachers and parent volunteers, the Sunday School program has grown significantly, with classrooms filled to capacity. This enthusiasm reflects the vibrant future of the church and the importance placed on the spiritual education of the youth, in line with the church's commitment to its next generation.

Following the services, the Armenian Healthcare Association of the Bay Area (AHABA) hosted a special event, offering health consultations for community members. Healthcare professionals from across the Bay Area made themselves available to answer crucial health-related questions, providing guidance and support. We congratulate AHABA on their ambition to the serve the community. This initiative underpinned the spirit of the day's message: that healing, whether of the body, mind, or spirit, is a reflection of the boundless love of Christ.

St. John Armenian Church extends its heartfelt thanks to all who participated in this blessed day and looks forward to continuing to strengthen its community through worship, education, and service.