With spiritual joy we announce that on Wednesday, February 13, the first Lenten Meditation or Hesgoom of the 2013 Great Lenten season was performed at St. John Armenian Church. With many faithful in attendance, Fr. Mesrop began the service by explaining that this year's vigils were being called meditations in order to remind us that Lent is a time for meditation, when we can focus our thoughts on God, and strip away unnecessary things. This is healthy, and spiritually rejuvenating.

On Saturday, February 6, members of Armenian Church Youth Organization of St. John, San Francisco volunteered at Martin De Porres Soup Kitchen. The leader of this inspirational day was Sub-Deacon Arto Bedikian. The day began with our youth cutting desserts in preparation for serving. Then, we spread out into different groups and helped to prepare food, serving, collecting dishes, and cleaning dishes. Overall, this was a enriching and important day as our youth were able to assist those who are destitute in our greater community of San Francisco.

Wednesday January 16, Fr. Mesrop held a Bible Study Session with the San Francisco group at the home of Mr. and Mrs. David and Marina Israelyan, and on Tuesday, January 22,  with the Peninsula group at the home of Dn. and Mrs. Sarkis and Hera Kestekyan,  there were more then 15 participants in each session that received spiritual nourishment, and why not had fun after Bible Study. We thank the Israelyan and Kestekyan families for opening their doors.

On Sunday, January 27, 2013 the Feast of St. Sarkis the Warrior was commemorated, and was Youth day at St. John Church. Fr. Mesrop Ash invited the youth for a special service and blessing and delivered a special message, he talked about who St. Sarkis was and what was his role in the Armenian Church.

A special message was offered for youth of all ages about the role of social networks in our lives, such as Facebook.

The Christmas bells were ringing on December 24, at St. John Armenian Apostolic Church. More than 200 hundred faithful were present to participate in celebrating the Western Christmas candlelight Service. The sanctuary and the Paul Family hall were beautifully decorated with Christmas ornaments.

The service started with the Lord’s Prayer followed by scripture readings by our dedicated deacons, the congregation joined the choir singing traditional Christmas Carols. Sunday School students participated in the pageant, presenting the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.