Events

St. John celebrated the Feast of the Assumption with the Divine Liturgy, the Great Blessing of Grapes, and a well-attended parish picnic.

St. John Armenian Church is exploring a new Bible Day Camp for children ages 5-11 this July! Fill out our interest survey to help us gauge interest and plan the best experience for our parish youth.

After two years of lock down due COVID-19, St. John Armenian Church of San Francisco once again open its doors to present classical music by professional musicians.

On Saturday, May 14, 2022, UCLA VEM Ensemble string quartet and the soprano soloist performed a very impressive and moving concert.

Fr. Mesrop Ash, welcomed everyone and expressed his gratitude to the performers and invited Professor Movses Pogossian, Director of UCLA Armenian Music Program to host the event.

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.

Saturday, January 18, 2020, a concert in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Gomidas Vartabed was held at St. John Armenian Church, featuring Grammy® nominated, world-renowned soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian and friends. This sold-out concert was dedicated to one of the giants of the Armenian music and one of the most prominent ethnomusicologists, compose, conductor of all time Gomidas Vartabed (nee Soghomon Soghomonian). The pre-concert lecture and Champaign reception were held at the small hall. Dr.

Whether a child is the next violinist for a major orchestra or they just like to sing songs in the car, there’s no denying that music has many benefits for children. Among the many studies, many say learning music improves test scores, focus, listening skills and memory.

Sunday, April 29, St. John organized a Singalong Concert for Children following the church service, at Paul Family Hall. With the participation of many children along with their parents, Karen Chutjian Presti and Stephanie Chutjian Betjemann put on a fantastic show. The duo sisters presented an interactive performance designed to entertain children while exposing them to live instrumental and Armenian folk music.

It was a fun afternoon especially seeing children singing and dancing Armenian songs together.

On October 21–22, 2015, St. John Armenian Church hosted their 75th Annual Food Festival. This spectacular event is a major attraction that draws thousands of visitors from the Greater Bay Area each year. The Festival is a cultural feast of Armenian flavors, an authentic traditional cuisine that is handed down from generation to generation, Armenian folk music, and dancing, showcasing Armenian gifts from Armenia and bringing the community together.

Sunday, November 13, 2016, following the church service, a poetry reading and book signing event was held at Paul Family Fellowship hall organized by St. John Armenian Church. Poet James Baloian read poems from his newly published poems called “Photo of an Unknown Ancestor” accompanied by live music with Max Baloian and friends.

James was not reciting his poems, but living them.  He read them slowly and naturally, with affection and emotion.