New to Our Church?

Join us and become a part of the family.

Originally founded in 1924, the current St. John Armenian Church of San Francisco was consecrated in 1958. With active programs to serve our community St. John Armenian Church is focused on building a family based on traditional Armenian values and Christian virtues. Learn more about our history.

What should I expect on my first visit?

  • Sunday Services begin at 10:30 am.
  • When you arrive, you’ll be warmly greeted by parish trustees who will hand you a bulletin with:
    • The Bible Reading for the Sunday.
    • Information about special prayers and upcoming events.
  • You’re welcome to enter the sanctuary through one of the side doors and sit wherever you feel comfortable.
  • If you arrive early (especially on non-feast days), there will be plenty of open seating. Services last between 1.5 to 2 hours, with the sanctuary filling up over time.
  • Fellowship Reception: After the Divine Liturgy, join us for a fellowship reception in the hall. It’s a great opportunity to meet our Parish Priest and other parishioners and learn more about the community.

What about the service?

  • Armenian Apostolic Rite: Our church celebrates the Divine Liturgy according to the ancient Armenian Rite. The service is conducted in Classical Armenian, but don’t worry:
    • We have English service books available in the pews to guide you.
    • There’s also a screen at the front of the church that helps you follow along and know when to stand or sit.
    • Our website has plenty of resources to help you learn about the ancient and beautiful Divine Liturgy of the Armenian Church. You can review our walkthrough or watch our instructional videos.
  • Attire: You are welcomed to wear respectful attire, but not strictly formal. Some people wear dresses or suits, while others dress more casually. Dress as you would for work or in a way that feels comfortable for you.

Is there a sermon or homily?

Yes! A sermon or spiritual message is given at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy in both Armenian and English. It lasts about 10 to 20 minutes and addresses topics like:

  • The Gospel reading for the day.
  • Feast days or church holidays.
  • Contemporary issues or life challenges.

You can listen to previous sermons and other topics by visiting our youtube page.

Is anything expected of me?

We know it can feel intimidating to visit a new church for the first time, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the customs. At St. John, we do our best to make you feel at home and help you engage with our community and faith.

  • Language: You don’t need to speak Armenian to be an active member. Many of our parishioners don’t speak Armenian, but if you do, you’ll find plenty of people to connect with in both languages.
  • Pamphlets: In the pews, you’ll find pamphlets that explain some of our traditions and customs to help you feel more comfortable.
  • Feel free to ask questions: If you have any questions during or after the service, don’t hesitate to speak to one of our church representatives. You can also contact us by e-mail, Facebook, or Twitter.

Can we bring young children to the church service?

Absolutely! We encourage families to bring their children and introduce them to the spiritual life of the church from a young age.

  • Quiet activities: Feel free to bring a small snack, book, or quiet activity to keep young children engaged during the service. We do ask that toys or apps with sound be avoided to respect other worshipers.
  • Nursery available: If your child becomes restless, we have an accessible nursery where they can play and interact with other children. You can return to the sanctuary whenever they’re ready.
  • Sunday School: When children are old enough, we encourage them to join our Sunday School program, which helps instill Christian values and knowledge in a fun and age-appropriate way.
  • Diaper changing stations: Several diaper changing stations are available in restrooms throughout the facility for families with young children.

Is there parking?

Yes! St. John is blessed with plenty of parking:

  • On most Sundays, parking is available in our lot.
  • If the lot is full, there are usually free spots available on the surrounding streets.

Is your church handicap accessible?

Yes! Our entire church complex, including the sanctuary, is wheelchair accessible. Additionally:

  • ADA-compliant bathrooms: Our recently renovated bathrooms are fully ADA compliant and wheelchair accessible.
  • Sanctuary Access: Our sanctuary is accessible to those with mobility concerns via the street side entrance.

We look forward to welcoming you to St. John Armenian Church, and we hope to make your visit a meaningful and memorable experience!