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.

it was quite a site. Boxed bikes parts being assembled, helmets, water bottles, sleeping bags, bike bags and the excited chatter of bicyclists on a mission that would go from San Francisco to Georgia.

For 2-1/2 days St. John graciously hosted 28 bicyclists (aged 19-70) representing The Fuller Center for Housing, as they began their journey across the country to raise money and awareness of Fuller's commitment to providing people with a decent place to live.

Nested in the San Francisco Bay Area, we all cherish our Armenian culture in a multitude of ways - one being our food.  As we approach St. John’s 75th Anniversary Celebration, we’d like to document, share, and treasure the foods that connect our families, and friends to what our identified Armenian culture represents.  Whether it’s your favorite mezza to pilaf to sweet dessert recipes, we want you to share the food that fills your kitchen aroma and table.

In conjunction with the Sports Weekend, an essay contest was held by Western Diocese asking the ACYO members to write a response to a book The 100 Steps. We are delighted to announce that our ACYO members won high honors in the contest, Megan Tutundjian won first prize, and Kevin Kestekyan won second prize. Congratulations to Megen and Kevin. 

The following is Megan Tutundjian's award winning essay: