Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church to Host Gala Following Devastating Fire

LOS ANGELES — Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Armenian Catholic Church in downtown Los Angeles experienced a devastating fire on August 24, one that consumed the sacristy and caused significant damage to the area surrounding the altar and within the church. While the destruction has deeply impacted this sacred space, a hope-filled sign emerged from the tragedy: the altar stood unharmed—a reminder that God is with us and that His presence remains unshaken.

Founded more than 70 years ago, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church is the first Armenian Catholic church in California and was officially dedicated on April 29, 1956. For generations, it has served as a spiritual home and cultural cornerstone for countless Armenian families—witnessing baptisms, weddings, funerals, and the passing of faith from one generation to the next. The church stands as a living testament to perseverance, heritage, and devotion, particularly for families who rebuilt their lives and identities through faith after displacement and hardship.

Under the leadership of Head Priest Father Armenag Bedrossian, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs has long extended its mission far beyond its church walls. Serving as a police chaplain and lead chaplain for the Los Angeles County Probation Department, Father Armenag accompanies families, first responders, and justice-involved individuals through moments of violence, uncertainty, and profound loss. A survivor of war and displacement himself, his ministry is grounded in lived experience—meeting people where they are, with empathy, dignity, and compassion, and ensuring that no one feels unseen or alone. Through this quiet, often unseen work, the parish has built trust, fostered healing, and stood faithfully beside the surrounding Los Angeles community for decades.

Although the church building has been wounded, its mission, faith, and community remain strong. Just as the parish endured the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and other hardships throughout its long history, the congregation is united in its commitment to rebuild—brick by brick—with prayer, love, and unity.

Thanks to the dedication of parish leadership and volunteers, all Sunday services and parish events have continued without interruption in the church hall. The community remains steadfast in worship, fellowship, and service, even in the midst of recovery.

Now is the time to give back to a church that has quietly and faithfully given so much to so many. The parish humbly asks its parishioners, friends, and the wider community to keep Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church in their prayers and to support the restoration efforts during this critical time. Together, and by God’s grace, the parish will rebuild—not only the walls of the church, but also preserve the sacred legacy it holds for generations past, present, and future.

To support the rebuilding efforts, the parish will host a Church Gala Dinner on Sunday, February 1, beginning at 5 p.m., at Palladio Banquet Hall in Glendale. Community members interested in attending or making a donation are warmly invited to participate.

For more information or to make a donation, please call (310) 890-3115 or visit the website.