On December 4, 2016, the families of St. John gathered together to decorate the parish complex for the Christmas season. This annual activity instills unites the parish community in a festive sense celebration, as we prepare ourselves to mark the miraculous birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Priest.

On the same day members of the community observed madagh, or the ancient Armenian Christian practice of serving a lamb meal to the community to give thanks for something in someone's life. In this case, it was to give thanks for two young people who have achieved the permanent residence in the United Staes.

The ACYO youth worked together to hang garlands and lights around the hall, while the Sunday School kids decorated the tree. The church elders helped coordinate the volunteers as they pulled the decorations out of storage and made the church complex merry in the spirit of the season. We give thanks to all the faithful who helped on that day.