Community News

St. John Armenian Apostolic Church is proud to support KZV Armenian School’s SoulShoppe Tools of the Heart Program through a donation that makes the workshops possible.

The four-workshop series serves students from Pre-K through eighth grade. Through age-appropriate activities, students practice empathy, kindness, communication, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution—skills that help them build healthy relationships and contribute to their school community. Three workshops are planned for the first semester, with a final session in January.

The St. John Ladies Society welcomed the community to a joyful Fall Harvest Celebration on Saturday, November 15, and Sunday, November 16, held immediately following church services. The  celebration featured a lively Pop-Up Show and Sale showcasing the talents of local artisans, along with a special culinary highlight prepared by members of the Ladies Society.

On Saturday, September 6, the parish of St. John Armenian Church held its second St. John Cares* event—a community pop-up BBQ appropriately named “Grillin’ for Charity.” Organized by Parish Council members Dan Riley and Greg Cherezian, along with the ACYO under the leadership of Dn. Charles Cherezian, the courtyard of the church was transformed into a vibrant space of fellowship, service, and generosity.

The St. John Parish community gathered for a significant meeting led by the Parish Council bringing together parishioners and leaders of various church organizations to discuss the spiritual and organizational aspects of parish life.

The meeting commenced with an insightful address by Fr. Mesrop, who emphasized the importance of spiritual life within the community. He encouraged parishioners to deepen their faith and actively engage in church activities to strengthen their connection with God and each other.

Sunday, December 5, St. John Armenian Church celebrated the 80^th anniversary of the consecration of the St. John Altar. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Fr. Mesrop Ash, followed by Requiem Service conducted for the souls of the Rev. Fr. Ghevont Parounak, former pastor of St. John who designed and helped build the altar, and also the soul of Yeretsgin Aghavni and the souls of deceased members of St. John Armenian Church. Upon the conclusion of the Services, Fr. Mesrop Ash invited Mr. Terry Callen the grandson of Fr.

On July 27, 2018 St. John Armenian Church hosted a community briefing by the Armenian Assembly of America. Community members gathered for the informal wine & cheese reception, followed by the briefing, and a lively Q&A. After welcome remarks by Rev. Fr. Mesrop Ash, Western Director Mihran Toumajian and Executive Director Bryan Ardouny made an in-depth report of the Assembly's activities. The Armenian Assembly was excited to invite everyone to their upcoming advocacy event on September 24-25, 2018. For more information visit aimhye.com.

While we fasted for Lent, we consumed with our eyes a thought-provoking art exhibit by artists Armine and Suren Vardanyan.  Armine was a graduate of Mer Hooys Orphanage in Yerevan. While there she studied at Terlemezyan Fine Art College, where she met art partner and now husband, Suren.

February 28th marked the 30th Anniversary of the Massacres of the Armenian community of Sumgait, and subsequently the Armenians throughout our Azerbaijan. To honor his occasion St. John proclaimed February Sumgait Commemoration Month.

For over one year St. John has been offering seasonal religious education courses with unique, focused, and engaging topics. This program is continuing in 2018 with the newly Winter courses that will be offered from January 30 to March 6. The offerings include last seasons “Whats the Difference?” course and the newly designed “On Living Simply” course. As always, all courses are free, meet 4 to 5 times, and last about an hour.