Recent News
Youth Blessing on Feast of St. Sarkis
St. Sarkis is one of the most revered Saints of the Armenian Church. He is also considered a saint who understand the youth, and therefore St. John Armenain Church has established the tradition that on the occasion of the Feast of St. Sarkis the youth will receive a special blessing at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.
On February 16, 2014 the kids of St. Johns gathered before the Holy Altar to receive there blessing by Fr. Mesrop Ash, the Parish Priest, along with the prayers of the faithful.
May God bless and protect all children and young peoples.
World Day of Prayer
The World Day of Prayer is an international ecumenical Christian laywomen’s initiative. It is run under the motto “Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action,” and is celebrated annually in over 170 countries on the first Friday in March. The movement aims to bring together women of various races, cultures and traditions in a yearly common Day of Prayer, as well as in closer fellowship, understanding and action throughout the year.
Commemoration of the Feast of St. Vartan the Warrior
It has been a wonderful tradition to commemorate St. Vartan and his Companions jointly with all the Bay Area Armenian Churches. Each year's commemoration takes place in one of the Armenian Churches. This year, St. John Armenian Church hosted the feast day. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Asoghig Jamgochian, parish priest of St. James Armenian Church of Sacramento.
Lenten Recipe: Stewed Celery
- 2 onions, sliced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 bunch celery leaves removed
- ½ cup water
- 3-4 garlic cloves, coarsely sliced
- ¼ cup red or green pepper, coarsely chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 rounded teaspoon tomato paste
- juice of 1 lemon
Exhibition Featuring Lilit Soghomonyan
February 21-23 the Paul Family Hall was transformed in to a warm and intimate gallery decorated by the beautiful and unique artwork of renowned artist Lilit Soghomonyan. Lilit was invited by Saint John Armenian Church for her San Francisco debut solo exhibition.
Sunday School Discovers the Garden Ministry
The St. John Sunday School spent the damp but sunny morning of last Sunday not in the classroom as they usually would, but in a new setting: St. John’s newly established parish garden. Instead of their usual curriculum, they learned about how and why seeds grow in to plants that bare vegetables and fruits. Most importantly, they learned that God gave them, and all humanity, the responsibility to be good stewards of His creation. Each child was given their own plot in the garden, so that they can learn that it takes time, attention, and love to be a good steward.
Host a Fellowship Hour, Enrich the Church
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.
Film Premiere of Bavakan Sparks Lively Discussion
The following editorial was submitted by Tamara Karakashian who attended the St. John Armenian Church Premiere of Bavakan on February 15, 2014.
Introducing Our 2014 Parish Council!
During our 2014 Annual Parish Assembly, and with the confirmation of the Primate, His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian, the following Parish Council for 2014 was established. Take a moment to get to know them.