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.

Our teen youth gathering with families was on Saturday, June 11 hosted by John and Paula Boghossian. Swimming, games, basketball, and visits with friends were enjoyable to kick start the summer.  Families enjoyed delicious Armenian foods and a wonderful kebab lunch and numerous desserts which were also prepared by our families. This event gave our Sunday School families a chance to enjoy a casual and relaxing day by the pool to bond with their families.  Even adorable baby Maneh had some fun splish-splashing in the pool surrounded by the love and care of our Sunday school teens. 

In short time, the Volunteer Day project has become a staple at St. John Armenian Church every Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Every Thursday, is an opportunity to gather for fellowship, support our church and make a difference. Weekly tasks can include mailings, gardening, organizing spaces, cooking, special projects and more. 

Special projects include making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the Samaritan House in San Mateo. Please join us.

Sunday, May 1, 2016, following the church services the congregation gathered at the Paul Family Hall to enjoy fellowship hour and to hear the special presentation by Nshan Kesecker. Fr. Mesrop welcomed everyone and invited sDn. Nshan Keseker to the podium.  Nshan captivated the audience with his remarkable power point presentation, with pictures and descriptions of historical monuments in Armenia and Iran.

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. 

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.