Interestingly Holy Trinity Orthodox Church of Southern California operates within the Holy Trinity Romanian Orthodox Church of Los Angeles. It is in the Eagle Rock area of Glassell Park. This location is southeast of Glendale.
Let’s delve into the story of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. The Mother Church was established on June 25 1939. A group of about 25 Romanians gathered. They held their first parish assembly. It took place in the home of Petru German. His home was on N Gage St in Los Angeles.
Over nearly 60 years six priests served the parish. Martin Ionescu served from 1939 to 1947. He helped establish the parish. Grigore Coste followed from 1948 to 1957. Then came Victor Barbulescu from 1957 to 1969. Anchidim Useriu served as interim priest in 1969 and 1970. Richard Grabowski led from 1970 to 1982. Constantin Alecse has served from 1982 to the present.
Recognizing the need for an English-speaking community Holy Trinity began the Chapel. VRev Constantin Alecse started it with Bishop Nathaniel’s blessing. Since 1995 he occasionally served the Divine Liturgy in English. This took place in a portable chapel in the church’s hall.
From 1996 to 1997 volunteers built an inspiring chapel. It resembles a monastery. The chapel is adorned with over 125 Orthodox icons. An intimate iconostasis includes a kitchen. Light refreshments are served there. It stands on the grounds of the former parish offices.
To clearly identify it the Chapel is known as Holy Trinity Orthodox Church of Southern California. This is the English Chapel. Father Constantin Alecse is the rector. The Sunday Catechetical School is held entirely in English. All people of Orthodox faith are welcome.
Holy Trinity Orthodox Church is part of the Orthodox Church in America. It falls under the Romanian Episcopate. It’s within the Pacific Southwest USA Deanery. You can find Holy Trinity at 3315 Verdugo Rd Los Angeles CA. The zip code is 90065. Their phone number is 323-255-8583.
If you are driving from the east via Fwy 5 take Glendale Freeway 2 north. Take it to the second exit Verdugo Rd. From the west via Fwy 405 take Freeway 101 south/east. Then take Pasadena Fwy 134 east. Finally take Glendale Freeway 2 to the second exit Verdugo Rd.
Services are in English. Sunday mornings begin with Matins at 9:30 AM. The Divine Liturgy follows at 10:00 AM. Sunday School starts at 11:30 AM. Confessions are heard on Sundays at 11:15 AM. You can also make an appointment.
Holy Trinity continues to serve its community. It offers a place for English speakers to worship. It enriches the spiritual life of Los Angeles. It is a testament to faith and community.