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.
The following editorial was submitted by Tamara Karakashian who attended the St. John Armenian Church Premiere of Bavakan on February 15, 2014.
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.
More than 10 ladies along with Fr. Mesrop visited long time St. John Ladies Society member, Bea Bosghossian to celebrate her birthday on Wednesday, February 5. It was an unforgettable and memorable day for our Bea.
They were able to pray, catch up with church news, laugh toghether, eat cake, exchange gifts and enjoy one another's company.
Sunday, February 2, was a celebratory and joyous day for St. John parish, Archbishop Aris Shirvanian was invited to celebrate The Divine Liturgy and deliver the spiritual message. Fr. Mesrop Ash, altar servers, deacons and the choir were ready for the majestic worship experiance of the Episcopal Divine Liturgy.
Following the Episcopal Divine Liturgy, Fr. Mesrop Ash welcomed Abp. Shirvanian on behalf of the parishioners and invited him to deliver the spiritual message.
This year’s Christian Youth Mission to Armenia (CYMA) Trip is just around the corner. For one month, (July 1-31) the youth of the Diaspora will learn about our rich history and will be immersed in the current lifestyle through internships, interactions with youth, and social projects. CYMA’s participants will visit Armenia’s historic churches and landmarks. They will enjoy the wondrous beauty of the Motherland and will rediscover their roots!
For the past month, Evening Services have been held each Wednesday to provide an opportunity for the faithful to pray and meditate. We give thanks that many have come to enjoy the prayerful respite of the prayers of evening hour.
Beginning February 12, 2014 the Evening Service will be held at 7:00pm. The reason for this change is to give those who work and have families more time to attend.
We are excited to announce that Parish Priest, Fr. Mesrop Ash, will be leading a pilrimage to Armenia from September 24 - October 10, 2014. This will be a wonderful opportunity for the faithful of the Bay Area to experiance the Hayrenik, our ancestral homeland.
This pilgrimage will travel to all the essential sites of Armenian heritage, including Holy Etchmiadzin, Khor Virab, Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Artsakh, and more.
On January 2, 2014 a meeting of clergy of the Orthodox Churches serving Middle Eastern communities was gathered at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in San Francisco. Fr. Mesrop, Parish Priest of St. John Armenian Church, attended as well as Fr. Hovel Ohanyan of St. Vartan Oakland. Also attending were representatives of the Catholic and Antiochian Orthodox churches, as well as others. This casual meeting was gathered to explore ways that these churches, which serve communities with common values and challenges, can work together to strengthen their missions.
It has been a wonderful tradition at St. John to have a Candlelight Service on Western Christmas Eve. This year was no exception, more than 200 faithful gathered together to sing Christmas carols along with the St. John Choir, to hear the scripture readings by our dedicated deacons, and to watch our wonderful Sunday School Children present the Nativity scene.
On January 7, 2014 Armenian classes will resume each Tuesday evening at 7 PM. For returning students an intermediate level class has been established. Intermediate level Armenian speakers who have not been a part of the class may join. A new beginners level class will start on January 7, and all of those interested who did not register in the fall are welcome to sign-up. If you are interested in joining the class, Please contact the office at print the seas (415) 661–1142 ex. 0.
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