St. John Armenian Church Of San Francisco Celebrates 75Th Anniversary Of Establishment

St. John Armenian Church of San Francisco celebrated the 75^th anniversary of establishment with a gala banquet on Saturday, November 18, 2017. The event was presided by the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

In his remarks, the Primate commended the steadfast leadership of the Rev. Fr. Mesrop Ash, the Parish Council and all auxiliary bodies of the parish that strive to spread the light of the Gospel of Christ, our Lord and become the Hands of the Almighty in their community.

Click here to read the Primate’s message in its entirety.

On the following day, His Eminence celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at the host parish. During the service, with the assistance of the Rev. Fr. Mesrop Ash, Archbishop Derderian ordained Nshan Kesecker and Kevin Kestekyan into the Diaconate. The ordinant bishop congratulated the altar servers, wishing them a renewed sense of dedication and zeal in their service to the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Seventy five years ago, inspired and led by the divine teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, a group Armenian-Americans established the St. John parish with a priest, a parish council, a ladies society and auxiliary bodies aimed at preserving the sacred teachings of the Armenian Apostolic Church and strengthening the Armenian community. Indeed, St. John Armenian Church is one of the oldest parishes in Northern California catering to the religious needs and providing spiritual nourishment to a diverse Armenian community. For decades, the parish has continued to remain loyal to its religious and educational mission.