For much of its history, the Armenian Church has played a vital role in preserving the Armenian nation's identity. During the centuries without an Armenian state, the Church served as the cornerstone of national consciousness, ensuring the survival of Armenian heritage and faith.

Holy Cross was the first Armenian Church in Los Angeles, which later relocated and became Holy Cross Cathedral. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on March 26, 1922, and the blessing and consecration in 1923. The Church served at its location in Los Angeles until 1978. The new Church building was erected in Montebello and the blessing and consecration took place on November 11, 1984 by His Holiness Karekin II of the Great House of Cilicia (later Karekin I, Catholicos of All Armenians).