Ministry

After 19 months of lockdown due to COVID-19, St. John Armenian Church was very excited to once again support the SF Interfaith Winter Shelter by preparing and serving hot meals to the homeless. With the help of the many volunteers, St. John has been able to participate in this program since 2016, which has fed hundreds of homeless men.  Beginning on November 21 St. John was able to renew its participation in this God-pleasing ministry.

Under the direction of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, a very special pilgrimage took place within the Western Diocese called “7 Churches in 3 Days.” From November 20-22, the Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian, parish priest of the St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale led the pilgrimage which included stops at Armenian Churches in the Central Valley and Bay Area of California.

Continuing St. John's goal to utilize our parish grounds to create a space wherein our faithful, especially our children, can grow closer to God by cultivating the Earth, Sunday School classes have resumed in the garden and several projects have been realized to enhance the space.

It was nearly 3 years ago that our community was stunned by the tragic news of the young Armenian family and the event that befell them at Big Lagoon Beach in Humboldt County. Howard Kuljian, patriarch of the Kuljian family, along with wife Mary and son Gregory were swept out by ocean currents as they tried to save their beloved family dog. Olivia was the only member of her family to survive that infamous event.

The annual St. John Church toy drive for the UCSF Pediatric Ward was another success. Many thanks for the generous monetary donations and toys of our faithful.  We raised over $1300 in toys this year. Your generous donations were greatly appreciated by the children in the pediatric ward.  We thank you for your support.

On Saturday, November 15, 2014, St. John held its Fourth Annual Veterans Night Dinner to honor those from our community who have served their nation in uniform. Approximately 70 guests, including 16 Veterans, enjoyed a delicious made-from-scratch lasagna dinner prepared by Choir Director Linda Lester, Arlene Barber and Christina Ardemis. The Hall was decorated beautifully with patriotism in mind by Helen Manougian, whose table centerpieces contained our American flag.

Once again in continuing with tradition, St. John Armenian Church will be hosting the annual toy drive benefiting UCSF's Pediatric Ward.  Please bring your new, unwrapped toys to St. John Church by December 14th .  If you prefer, cash or check donations are acceptable.  Please make checks payable to St. John Armenian Church and write Toy Drive in the memo. We can then purchase the toys. If you have any questions, please contact Charles Cherezian (925) 899-4471

St. John has enjoyed the bounty of our garden over the past few weeks, but the time has come to share the wealth. Friday, April 25, the Garden Ministry donated the lettuce harvest to the Martin de Porres House of Hospitality soup kitchen, and on Saturday some of the parishioners volunteered in preparing and serving lunch.

Once more calling all High School and College students! Last summer St. John started an internship program which was very successful.  More than 10 students signed up for the program and worked twice a week on different projects.

Every year St. John Armenian Church hosts the annual toy drive benefiting UCSF Pediatric Ward. As usual spearheaded by our own Dn. Charles Cherezian, this year's toy drive was a huge success.  Over $1,000 toys were purchased and delivered to the hospital. We thank our Sunday School students and families for donating toys and all who made monetary donations. Your generosity is greatly appreciated by the children in the pediatric ward. We also thank Dn. Charles for making this event possible every year.