Armenian Apostolic Church of St Gregory The Illuminator

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that at approximately at 4:00 am this morning, the building adjacent to St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church was set ablaze by arsonists. The building housed Vasbouragan Hall, as well as offices for St. Gregory Armenian Church and various organizations. The San Francisco Fire Department responded immediately, however, the building has suffered a great loss. 

The Church Board of Trustees and community leaders are on site assessing the damage and working closely with San Francisco Fire and Police Departments in their investigation. We will provide more updates to the community as they become available. 

Prayerfully, 

V. Rev. Fr. Smpad Saboundjian, Pastor
  Rostom Aintablian, Chairman                          Board of Trustees

Dear Parishioners,

           The Pastor and Board of Trustees of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church greet you by a warm Christian love. We are at the threshold of 2021. We shall leave all the hardships and troubles behind with 2020, and look forward to a better, peaceful, and successful year ahead.
           Our Church Parish in San Francisco experienced numerous calamities and tribulations during the past year, but by our unity and your continued support, we were capable to move forward in our mission. We have always reminded everyone that the lifegiving and dynamic force behind our church institution is the faithful believer. Indeed, you have come to prove this statement to be true during these last several months, by your support through all possible means.
           We felt your presence and support through your active participation in the church fundraisers and online church services we livestreamed. Even though you were physically away from the church, but you remained faithful to our Armenian Apostolic treasures as our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ once said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6: 19-21)

We would like to thank you by this letter and tell you how much we do appreciate all your support and efforts!

        The Armenian Christmas is fast approaching. On that occasion, it is customary to donate towards “Yughakeen.” Traditionally, Armenian churches were lighted only by oil-lamps, and the people faithfully donated to keep the lamps filled with oil; hence the term "Yughakeen."
      We have created a two method fundraiser for this purpose and included the details in this email. We are certain that as always, you will participate and encourage others to do so.

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND MERRY CHRISTMAS

Thanking you in advance,

Pastor and Board of Trustees

Dear friends and parishioners,

By now we know that all major church income generating events will not take place this year: The Khachaturian Armenian Community Center Saroyan Hall will not generate any income. The Annual Church Banquet is cancelled this year. The most painful of all, our famous Annual Food Festival and Bazaar which generates more than $120,000 of pure income and covers one third of the church budget, for the first time in our Church History will not take place this year.

It is clear that we are going to face a financial crisis this year and the damage can be severe if we do not step up and do our part; however, we the Board of Trustees will do our best to reduce the expenses of our Parish and Church, and we will readjust the budget balance sheet without compromising the most needed care and maintenance of all our assets and buildings, so that when time comes, we are ready to reopen.

Therefore, we reach out to you, dear Parishioners, so that together with our efforts and your donations, we cover this financial loss and help our Church to get out of this predicament. Rest assured that our Heavenly Father will bless you tenfold for all your virtuous deeds.

Thanking you in advance and wishing you all healthy and safe days,

Pastor and Board of Trustees