Sunday, May 8, 2016, as in the past St. John men came early morning to prepare delicious breakfast which included eggs, sausages, pancakes, mimosas, and coffee, for all the mothers and families. It was great seeing families gathered together to celebrate Mother’s Day as one family. Following the breakfast, everyone participated in Divine Liturgy. 

Gathering together to kick off the year in September to a celebration lunch in May we have much to celebrate and be thankful for with the presence of our youth.

With the generous donation from Fr. Artoon Sempadian Memorial Fund, St. John's has installed an amazing mosaic mural on the Eastern wall Ashjian building to welcome people to church and to beautify the entrance to the parish garden.

Saturday, April 9, the highly anticipated  Taline and Friends concert took place at St. John Armenian Church. Based in Glendale, California, Taline is an Armenian children’s music singer whose bright and cheerful songs and dances bring joy to Armenian children and teach them the Armenian alphabet and the importance of keeping the Armenian language and heritage.

Originally one show was scheduled, but due to popular demand the committee decided to add a second show the same day, so every Armenian family with children had the opportunity to attend this unprecedented event.

The parishioners of St. John Armenian Church of San Francisco were delighted to welcome the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian for the episcopal celebration of the Divine Liturgy at St. John Armenian Church of San Francisco on Sunday, January 10, 2016. Assisting His Eminence at the Holy Altar were the Rev. Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan and the Rev. Fr. Mesrop Ash, Pastor of the host parish.

On December 17th, toys were dropped off to the UCSF Pediatric Ward for our annual toy drive. This year marks the 13th year that St. John Church has participated in a toy drive. We have donated over $15,000 in toys over those years. This tradition was started by our own junior ACYO and has grown to include our parish and community. The ACYO would hold dances and fundraisers including bake sales to raise money for the toy drive. We would also receive generous donations from parishioners like you to help support the toy drive.

On Sunday, December 20, Following the Divine Liturgy and a spiritual message by Fr. Mesrop Ash, the faithful gathered at The Paul Family Hall for a Christmas Party Reception hosted by Parish Council.

This year Ladies Society held their annual Christmas Party and General meeting on Thursday, December 17, 2015, more than 50 members were present to celebrate Christmas together.

Fr. Mesrop Ash blessed the table and wished everyone a happy and safe Christmas. Following lunch Linda Lester invited everyone to sing along to classic Christmas Carols. This year the ladies decided not to exchange gifts, instead each one brought gifts to be donated to the elderly patients at nearby Laguna Honda Hospital. Following the meeting all the presents were wrapped and delivered to the hospital.

St. Vartan Armenian Church of Oakland was host to the 67th Annual ACYO Convention which was held over Thanksgiving Weekend, November 27-29, 2015. More than 30 ACYO delegates from chapters across the Western Diocese participated in the convention presided by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Diocesan Primate. 

Under the leadership of Fr. Mesrop Ash, St. John ACYO Jr. Members participated in the Assembly and attended the elegant banquet, where they had lots of fun dancing and spending time with their friends.

Under the direction of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, a very special pilgrimage took place within the Western Diocese called “7 Churches in 3 Days.” From November 20-22, the Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian, parish priest of the St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale led the pilgrimage which included stops at Armenian Churches in the Central Valley and Bay Area of California.