Here stands Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Armenian Catholic Church. It stands as a testament to faith and community. It has a rich history rooted in the Armenian diaspora.
Our story begins in the aftermath of World War II. Many Armenians were displaced. They were brought to Germany to work. After the war, they were relocated to a camp in Stuttgart. The Mekhitarist Fathers of Vienna recognized their spiritual needs. They sent Father Michael Akian to be their leader.
Many from this camp immigrated to California. They settled in East Los Angeles and Montebello. They were welcomed by Armenians already here. In 1951, Gregory Cardinal Agagianian visited Los Angeles. He celebrated the Armenian Liturgy in several cathedrals.
In 1952, Father Akian arrived in Los Angeles. He continued working to establish a parish. Cardinal McIntyre gave him an existing church near Downtown Los Angeles. It was named Our Lady Queen of Martyrs. It became the first Armenian Catholic church in California.
The congregation renovated the church. It was officially dedicated on April 29, 1956. Cardinal McIntyre and Bishop Habozian presided. The parish grew as more people arrived. The church became a vital center. Devout women formed the Ladies Guild. The Guild has provided moral and financial support.
In 1964, Father Akian returned to Vienna. Father Clement Morian replaced him. He worked hard for his parishioners. His tenure saw a period of growth. Immigrants from Soviet Armenia, the Middle East, and Romania arrived.
Father Michael Akian returned in 1976. He served as pastor until 1987. He was assisted by Father Basil Ferhatian and Father Gregory Heboyan. In 1981, Pope John Paul II established the Apostolic Exarchate. It was for Armenians in the United States and Canada. Bishop Nerses Setian was appointed as the Exarch.
In Los Angeles, Father Akian continued his work. Father Ferhatian started publishing Verelk. It was a periodical about Catholic teachings. Father Mesrob Topalian succeeded Father Akian in 1987. The Armenian Catholic Youth Organization (ACYO) was established. The Daniel Varoujan Cultural Society and Avedaper were also founded. The congregation provided aid to Armenians after the 1988 earthquake.
In 1991, Patriarch John-Peter XVIII Kasparian visited Los Angeles. Father Raphael Minassian became pastor. He emphasized preserving spiritual life. He planned a new church in Glendale.
In 1997, an existing Lutheran church in Glendale was purchased. Renovations were planned. In March 2001, Bishop Manuel Batakian consecrated it.
Father Anton Panossian became Assistant Pastor in 2001. He served until 2013. In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI named Mickael Mouradian as Bishop. He resides at the Glendale parish. It is now St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Cathedral.
Father Armenag Bedrossian succeeded Father Panossian in 2013. He renovated the church. He re-instituted the Parish Council. He re-organized the choir. He re-introduced religious education. He sponsors monthly dinners. He offers an early Mass in English.
The Ladies Guild continues to support the church. Our Lady Queen of Martyrs has experienced a renaissance. It remains a vital center for its parishioners. It is a beacon of faith. It is a testament to the enduring Armenian spirit.
In recent times, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs has faced challenges. Wildfires in the region have caused smoke and ash. Many parishioners had to evacuate. The church itself was in a high-risk zone. Despite these hardships, the community has drawn together. They support each other in times of need.
Today, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs stands strong. It is a reminder of the resilience of the Armenian people. It is a testament to their unwavering faith. It is a beacon of hope for generations to come.