Saint Sarkis the Warrior is one of the most venerated Armenian saints. He is considered the patron saint of love and youth. His feast day is celebrated in late January or early February Each year, on the first day of the Fast of the Holy Catechumens (First Lent), the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church celebrates the Feast of St. Sarkis the Captain, his son Martiros and his 14 soldiers-companions.

Armenian traditional folk dance and music are an integral part of the Armenian culture. The promotion of our rich culture in both Armenian and Non-Armenian circles of the greater Bay Area was the reason St. John Karoon Dance Ensemble was established under the direction of Carol Kazarian. Over the years the group has performed during the Annual Food Festivals and a variety of public functions.

Saturday, February 4, 2017, once again St. John Armenian Church hosted a benefit concert featuring young talented Armenian Artists, Dr. Tatev Amiryan, composer/pianist, and Nadima Avakian, soprano. Part of the proceeds was donated to the “Kantzer” choir of St. Anna Church in Armenia.

Last year, the Emeryville-based F’real food company hosted children from Make-A Wish in its local milkshake lab to create distinctive flavors. The best concoctions participated in a nation-wide social media contest to decide, which flavor would be served at locations across the country. We are pleased to announce that our dear Raffi Arabatyan won the contest after a landslide social media vote, with fantastic support for the Bay Area Armenian community.

In November our general meeting resumed. We talked at length about how we can stay more connected with our members and host special speakers at our upcoming meetings in 2017.  Some great ideas and suggestions were exchanged.  We look forward to planning our 2017 calendar.

On December 15 (in lieu of a meeting), 22 members and friends braved the rainy day and enjoyed lunch at the Opera House followed by an enchanting performance of the Nutcracker performed by the San Francisco Ballet. 

Happy New Year from Ladies Society

On Sunday, September 11, 2016, St. John Armenian Church celebrated The Feast of Exaltation of the Cross which is the last of the five major feasts in the calendar of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It was a memorable day in the life of the parish not only becaues the profound victory of the Holy Cross was celebrate, but because it brought the community together to honor several important milestones.

We are happy to share the following message from Mer Hooys, House of Hope regarding one of our Sunday School Students:

Sophene Panosian, a 10-year-old fifth grader from KZV Armenian School and Sunday School student at St. John Armenian Apostolic Church in San Francisco, California has started her own little business baking cakes and cupcakes to raise money for Mer Hooys. Her goal is to raise $1000 and she is well on her way!

Ladies Society Chair, Paula Boghosian, organized a fun day for ladies from St. John’s Ladies Society on Tues. Aug. 30.  Of course, it started off with curbside coffee and choreg before we hit the road!  Things got even better when Paula spilled some coffee and Hrantouhi announced that in Armenian tradition that meant, “Good Luck!”

The proverb proved true as our van got us there and back without traffic or incident. Before we knew it, we were all sitting on stools sipping wine and tasting chocolate at Farrari-Carano Tasting Bar and Boutique in downtown Healdsburg.

The much anticipated Summer Benefit Concert was held on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at St. John Armenian Church, Paul Family Hall. The three talented and promising young Armenian artists, Nadima Avakian, soprano; Karo Avakian, tenor; and Astghik Sakanyan, pianist, captured the audience by their outstanding performance. Fr. Mesrop Ash welcomed and thanked everyone for not only supporting these artists, but also supporting the Mer Houys organization.

Here's what can happen on Volunteer Day. When gardening and with perfect timing you find some treasures like hidden garden fresh garlic to share with volunteers and parsley stalks that can be shared with the goats across the street. Some of us also worked in the kitchen making Mas.