Name of Church St. Anne
Address 11211 Moorpark Street, North Hollywood, CA 91602
Phone number 818-761-2034
Website www.melkitesinlosangeles.org
Facebook www.facebook.com/stannecathedral/
Worship Schedule Sundays, 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy (English) & 11:30 a.m. (Arabic & English). Also, a 10:30 a.m. combined liturgy when announced. The parish has a dress code; please dress nicely. Women are asked to cover their shoulders; no shorts or flip flops for men. Visit the church’s Facebook page to see previous liturgies or for livestreamed liturgies. Currently limited seating inside the church.
Confessions Before and after liturgies, by appointment.
Names of priests Fr. Fouad Sayegh, rector.
School No parish school, but there is a Sunday school.
Special events Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Vespers & Divine Liturgy.
Special parish groups Teen and young adults groups, Ladies League, social club.
Liturgy/Music The liturgy is sung, in English or Arabic (with some Greek). No instruments (with the exception of an occasional violin). The church is known for its outstanding choirs.
Fellow parishioners Originally founded to serve those of Middle Eastern descent (e.g. Syrian, Lebanese or Jordanian), today it is the spiritual home of many Anglos and Filipinos.
Parking No problem.
Acoustics Good.
Cry room Yes. There is a side chapel for children that is separated by glass from the main church.
Additional observations St. Anne Church was founded in 1909. Services were first conducted at a Latin rite parish in Los Angeles; the current church at its North Hollywood location was built in 1965. St. Anne is part of the Melkite-Greek Catholic Eparchy (diocese) of Newton, Massachusetts, which includes the entire continental U.S. It is in union with Rome; its worship is according to the ancient Byzantine Liturgy. It’s a different experience for Latin rite Catholics. Parishioners, for example, either sit or stand; there is usually no kneeling. Services have a lot of incense. There are many icons, which are considered windows to heaven, throughout the church. In the front of the church is an icon screen; the other side is considered heaven on earth. (Pointing out icons and discussing their significance can be a great way to keep the attention of squirmy children.) Parishioners receive Holy Communion on a small spoon after the host is dipped into the chalice. Also, all the baptized receive Communion, even small children.
Details listed are subject to change. Check the church’s website or social media or call the church before visiting.
If you’re near there, I encourage you to visit this parish and worship with them. I’ve been privileged to assist at a few Melkite Divine Liturgies (Masses). The Arabic chant is beautiful. Father is a celibate priest, as indicated by his headwear. And, maybe because it is a cathedral, it has five deacons! Of course, all Catholics properly disposed are encouraged to receive sacraments at any Catholic church (though reception of Holy Communion is practiced differently).
As our Arab brothers and sisters say, “inshallah!”