In the early 20th century, prior to World War II, Armenians in Los Angeles worshipped at Apostolic churches like Holy Cross and St. James or joined Evangelical congregations. A small group of Armenian Catholics, however, attended local Roman Catholic churches—this group formed the foundation of what would become the Armenian Catholic community in Los Angeles.

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After World War II, many Armenians displaced by war or communism were relocated to a Displaced Persons camp in Stuttgart, Germany. Recognizing their spiritual needs, the Mekhitarist Fathers of Vienna sent Father Michael Akian to serve them. After four years of service in Germany and Vienna, Father Akian joined many of these immigrants in California, where a growing Armenian Catholic community had begun to form in East Los Angeles and Montebello.

In 1951, Patriarch Gregory Cardinal Agagianian visited California, celebrating the Armenian Liturgy in Los Angeles, Fresno, and San Francisco. That same year, Father Akian arrived in Los Angeles to establish a parish. With the support of Cardinal McIntyre, an existing church near Downtown LA was granted for Armenian Catholic use. Named Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, it became the first Armenian Catholic church in California and was officially dedicated on April 29, 1956.

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The parish quickly grew, with community members establishing a Ladies Guild that remains a strong source of support. In 1964, Father Akian was called back to Vienna, and Father Clement Morian took over as pastor. Under his leadership, the parish expanded significantly with new immigrants arriving from Soviet Armenia, the Middle East, and Romania.

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Father Akian returned as pastor in 1976 and served until 1987, assisted by Fathers Basil Ferhatian and Gregory Heboyan. This period marked a new chapter for the Armenian Catholic Church in North America. In 1981, Pope John Paul II established the Apostolic Exarchate for Armenian Catholics in the U.S. and Canada, appointing Bishop Nerses Setian as its first Exarch.

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Father Ferhatian began publishing Verelk, a periodical sharing Catholic teachings, and Father Akian was succeeded by Father Mesrob Topalian in 1987. During this time, the community launched the Armenian Catholic Youth Organization (ACYO), the Daniel Varoujan Cultural Society, and the newsletter Avedaper. In 1988, the parish provided significant aid to victims of the Armenian earthquake.

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In 1991, Patriarch John-Peter XVIII Kasparian visited Los Angeles, and that same year, Father Raphael Minassian became pastor. Recognizing the need to expand, Father Raphael spearheaded the development of a new church in Glendale. The church, built in the style of traditional Armenian architecture, was completed in 2001 and consecrated by Bishop Manuel Batakian.

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Father Anton Panossian served as assistant pastor from 2001 until his retirement in 2013. In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI named Bishop Mikael Mouradian as head of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of Our Lady of Nareg, with his residence at the Glendale cathedral—now known as St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Cathedral.

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Father Armenag Bedrossian was appointed pastor of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in 2013. Under his dynamic leadership, the parish has seen a revival—church renovations, the re-establishment of the Parish Council, choir revitalization, reintroduction of children's religious education, and community outreach, including an English-language Sunday Mass. Attendance has grown, and the parish once again serves as a vibrant spiritual home.

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Throughout its history, the Ladies Guild has remained a pillar of support, continuing its tireless dedication to the mission and community of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs.