St. John has identified raising awareness about dementia and dementia-related issues as an important goal. For that reason St. John invited representatives of Alzheimer’s Care Armenia to make a presentation to the community. Unfortunately, Dr. Jane Mahakian, Gerontologist, and co-founder was not able to appear and speak to the attendees; however, Vic Mazmanian longtime Alzheimer advocate, educator, and speaker was with us. Vic is a facilitator for several Alzheimer support groups.

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.

Leading up to Easter is a time of lent and this year as in past years the Lenten Prayer Vigil Services (Husgoom) were held on Wednesday evenings.  Parishioners are invited to come and pray along with participating in the readings. Afterward, a potluck meal was held for all to enjoy.

As with past Christmas holidays we once again celebrated with a number of engaging activities for not only the children but the young at heart. We lead off with an assemblage of gracious volunteers to come in and decorate the hall, tree and also the church as well. Everyone gets to participate in either hanging the lights or the little ones bringing an ornament to place on the tree.  

As we reflect on 2017 we have so much to be thankful for. Our regular gatherings throughout the year were well attended and continually filled with a bond of special friendship, wisdom and cheer from our longtime standing members, new members, and friends. Like our 75th Anniversary Gala that celebrated the good days from the past and honored the present,  Ladies Society aims to continue to embrace this amongst all who connect with the Ladies Society and St. John Church.  It’s a place we make friendships spanning generations, in our spiritual home.

On November 17, 2017, St. John celebrated the 75th Anniversary of its founding as a Parish with a Gala Banquet at the Waterfront Marriott in Burlingame. 

St. John values the artistic talent found in the Armenian Community, and as often as possible will look for opportunities to share it with the congregation. Toward this end, St. John invited Yn. Marine Zuloyan to exhibit her lively and joyful artwork on November 3 through 5. An opening was hosted on Friday evening, and the exhibition concluded following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday. Yn. Marine’s husband, Fr. Vazken Boyajian, of the Canadian Diocese of the Armenian Church, celebrated the Divine Liturgy that day as well.

In conjunction with the visit of the Diocese Primate His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of St. John Armenian Church, special ordination services were held during the Episcopal Divine Liturgy.

We are excited to announce that in conjunction with the celebrations being coordinated to mark the 75th Anniversary of St. John Armenian Church in San Francisco, our community will witness the ordination to the diaconate of two of its beloved sons, sDn. Nshan Kesecker and sDn. Kevin Kestekyan on November 19, 2017. 

His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and preside over the ordinations of these devoted young men.

On August 7th, the St. John Armenian Church San Francisco junior ACYO set out for a four day trip to Lake Tahoe led by Rev. Fr Mesrop and Yn. Annie Ash and youth director Dn. Charles Cherezian. A special thank you to Katherine Zerounian and Naira Sujohn for chaperoning as well. Over 15 junior members we in attendance. The days were spent by having various fellowship activities. Activities included a hike and spiritual discussion in Emerald Bay State Park with Fr.