On Thursday, April 18, the members of St. John Ladies society gathered together for their April luncheon. This luncheon was special as it would showcase the work of Mr. James Baloian, a well-known Armenian poet originally from the Central Valley. The luncheon was organized by committee chair Cecelia Baloian, who is also the poet's wife. The organizing committee decorated the hall with information about our Armenian heritage, as well as prepared a delicious lunch of Armenian cuisine. In the opening prayer, the Ladies Society remembered the victims of the attacks in Boston, and all of those who suffer tragically as a result of violence and cruelty.

The highlight of the day, what is the reading of Armenian poetry, from masters such as Sayat Nova, Charents, Isahakyan, and Toumanian, that was followed by the reading of Mr. Baloian's poetry in English and Armenian, with the help of Cecelia Baloian, Naiyry Sarkiss, and Yn. Annie Ash.

In conclusion, Fr. Mesrop thanked Mr. Baloian and presented him with a gift on behalf of the parish, and said, "the heroes of the Armenian Nation are her creatives, especially her poets… today we have been blessed to hear the words of another one of her heroes."