February 21-23 the Paul Family Hall was transformed in to a warm and intimate gallery decorated by the beautiful and unique artwork of renowned artist Lilit Soghomonyan. Lilit was invited by Saint John Armenian Church for her San Francisco debut solo exhibition.

More than 10 ladies along with Fr. Mesrop visited long time St. John Ladies Society member, Bea Bosghossian to celebrate her birthday on Wednesday, February 5. It was an unforgettable and memorable day for our Bea.

They were able to pray, catch up with church news, laugh toghether, eat cake, exchange gifts and enjoy one another's company.

We are excited to announce that Parish Priest, Fr. Mesrop Ash, will be leading a pilrimage to Armenia from September 24 - October 10, 2014. This will be a wonderful opportunity for the faithful of the Bay Area to experiance the Hayrenik, our ancestral homeland.

This pilgrimage will travel to all the essential sites of Armenian heritage, including Holy Etchmiadzin, Khor Virab, Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Artsakh, and more.

It has been a wonderful tradition at St. John to have a Candlelight Service on Western Christmas Eve. This year was no exception, more than 200 faithful gathered together to sing Christmas carols along with the St. John Choir, to hear the scripture readings by our dedicated deacons, and to watch our wonderful Sunday School Children present the Nativity scene.

On January 7, 2014 Armenian classes will resume each Tuesday evening at 7 PM. For returning students an intermediate level class has been established. Intermediate level Armenian speakers who have not been a part of the class may join. A new beginners level class will start on January 7, and all of those interested who did not register in the fall are welcome to sign-up. If you are interested in joining the class, Please contact the office at print the seas (415) 661–1142 ex. 0.

St. John Armenian Church is proud to announce that three applicants were granted 2013 James Martin Klijian Memorial Fund College Scholarship. Having reinstated the long standing scholarship in 2013, which was established by the Barkev and Beatrice Klijian Family in 1976 in loving memory of James Martin Klijian, the parish is grateful to honor them by supporting our outstanding youth in their academic endevors.

Sunday December 15, following Divine Liturgy St. John had a wonderful Christmas Party, nearly 200 parishioners came together as one big family to celebrate and welcome Santa Claus. Fr. Mesrop Ash welcomed everyone and blessed the table. During the lunch Sunday School Students performed Christmas carols accompanied by St. John Sunday School band and received enthusiastic applause from the audience. This was their 3rd official performance lead by Tommy Kesecker, who worked very hard with the musicians to make this event possible.

Every year St. John Armenian Church hosts the annual toy drive benefiting UCSF Pediatric Ward. As usual spearheaded by our own Dn. Charles Cherezian, this year's toy drive was a huge success.  Over $1,000 toys were purchased and delivered to the hospital. We thank our Sunday School students and families for donating toys and all who made monetary donations. Your generosity is greatly appreciated by the children in the pediatric ward. We also thank Dn. Charles for making this event possible every year.

Sunday, December 8, following the church service, and delicious “madagh” lunch hosted by the Gasparyan family, the parishioners of St. John Armenian Church gathered together to decorate the hall and the church.