After 19 months of lockdown due to COVID-19, St. John Armenian Church was very excited to once again support the SF Interfaith Winter Shelter by preparing and serving hot meals to the homeless. With the help of the many volunteers, St. John has been able to participate in this program since 2016, which has fed hundreds of homeless men.  Beginning on November 21 St. John was able to renew its participation in this God-pleasing ministry.

As we prepare ourselves for the long haul of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are keenly aware that we are going to need support in new areas in order to continue our ministry and outreach to the community. At this time St. John is very much in need of volunteers in the following positions.

San Francisco, in many ways, is the envy of the world. It has a lot going for it. Natural beauty, industry leading companies, great sports teams, and a social and political culture all its own. There is one area, sadly, the City has continually struggled with. Homelessness is a major and visible concern. It is an issue that seems to be on every politician's agenda yet only seems to be getting worse.

On Saturday, March 18, 2017, the ACYO youth gathered at St. John’s Armenian Church to participate in a special Lenten lock-in, a sleepover at the church. The evening began with a talk from Dn. Anthony Catchatoorian. Anthony spoke about his career as a camera person for KPIX and Comcast, and also shared his experience and involvement in the church since his childhood. He talked to the youth about the different journeys he has taken in his life, how the church has always given him strength and encouraged them to pursue their career dreams.

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.

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.

It has always been a cornerstone of the Christian faith that those who devote themselves to Christ’s teachings should help and comfort the poor and destitute, just has He did during His own ministry. Often this service takes the form of fundraising. When the necessity arises the faithful come together and open their pocketbooks to contribute to charitable funds to help those in need. However, its just as often necessary for the Christian to becomes personally involved.

The Fellowship Hour is the time after Divine Liturgy each week when our parish serves coffee, tea, and snacks to the faithful. This is a wonderful time when attendees can relax together, catch up, and meet new people. It's also a great time for families to connect.