This past Sunday marked a significant moment for our community as we gathered for the highly anticipated "Healing From Grief Through Loving Grace" event, led by the Western Diocese's Diran Avagyan. The presentation, a key part of our ongoing "Year of Healing" series, saw a significant turnout, underscoring the collective need and desire for emotional and spiritual healing within our community.

Diran Avagyan, a clinical chaplain renowned for his work at the Glendale Adventist Hospital and a certified bereavement group facilitator, delivered a moving and insightful presentation. He addressed the various facets of grief that individuals face and highlighted the vital role that community and church play in offering comfort and support during these trying times. His message resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom shared their own experiences of loss and the journey towards healing.

A poignant moment of the day came proceeding the presentation during the Divine Liturgy, where special healing prayers were offered. Participants described the experience as a profound moment of collective prayer and reflection, offering a sense of peace and hope to all present.

The success of this event is a testament to the strength and compassion of our community. It highlights our shared commitment to supporting one another through grief and finding solace in the grace of healing. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Diran Avagyan for guiding us through this significant event and to all those who participated, making it a truly memorable occasion.

As we continue with our "Year of Healing" series, we look forward to further fostering a space of understanding, support, and spiritual growth. The month of March will be dedicate to "healing through repentance", a theme that resonates with the Lenten period. Together, we are reminded of the power of community and faith in navigating holistic health and moving towards a path of healing and hope.

Bereavement Support Group

Would you be interested in participating in a bereavement support group that was hosted at St. John? 

During a recent presentation at St. John on healing during the grieving process, we announced that we would be gauging interest in a bereavement support group to be hosted within our parish. We are sending out this survey to gauge interest. We are also looking for volunteers who would be interested in training to serve as a support facilitator.