On Sunday, September 15, 2024, St. John Armenian Church joyfully celebrated the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, one of the most significant feasts in the Armenian Apostolic Church calendar. The celebration was marked by a sense of reverence and community, as the faithful gathered for the Divine Liturgy and participated in the sacred tradition of the Antasdan—the special adoration service at the conclusion of the liturgy. This ancient rite, conducted in the church courtyard, is a time-honored way to offer prayers for the four corners of the world.

On August 18, St. John Armenian Church in San Francisco came alive with the joyful celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of Saint Mary, one of the most cherished holy days in the Armenian Apostolic Church. This annual event, which beautifully blends spiritual devotion with community fellowship, was marked by a special Divine Liturgy, followed by the traditional Blessing of the Grapes ceremony and a vibrant parish picnic.

The Feast of Pentecost is the commemoration of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles on the fiftieth day following the Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

This past Sunday marked a significant moment for our community as we gathered for the highly anticipated "Healing From Grief Through Loving Grace" event, led by the Western Diocese's Diran Avagyan. The presentation, a key part of our ongoing "Year of Healing" series, saw a significant turnout, underscoring the collective need and desire for emotional and spiritual healing within our community.

In an atmosphere filled with hope and spiritual anticipation, St. John Armenian Church marked a significant milestone in its “Year of Healing” initiative with the inaugural Healing Sunday. This special day, rooted deeply in the traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church, was a profound experience for the many parishioners who gathered in a communal quest for spiritual renewal and healing.

Dear Beloved Members of Our Parish Community,

As I prepare to return from our Diocesan delegation's mission in Armenia, my heart is filled with profound emotions and reflections that I am eager to share with you. Our seven-day journey to better understand the Artsakh refugee crisis has been an eye-opening experience, deeply connecting us to our Armenian roots and faith. We are grateful that this opportunity was provided under the auspices of His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian.

It's been four years since our last Food Festival at St. John San Francisco, a tradition as old as the parish itself. This year, we embarked on a passionate journey to revive this cherished celebration. Yet, our excitement was overshadowed by the heart-wrenching crisis in Artsakh. Witnessing thousands of Armenians fleeing persecution and leaving their homeland behind, we grappled with how to approach our upcoming festival, especially given the close ties we have to the affected region.

On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, our parish was abuzz with activities, devotion, and the spirit of community. This special day not only marked a significant event in our liturgical calendar but also the joyous relaunch of our Sunday School.

We are thrilled to announce that the dates for our highly anticipated Annual Food Festival are now set, and we are calling upon our wonderful volunteers to help us in the kitchen! Our food festival is not just about sharing our delicious Armenian cuisine, it's also about celebrating our community, our culture, and our heritage. And none of this would be possible without the help of our volunteers.