St. Leon Armenian Cathedral — Attraction in Burbank

I am deeply saddened and disturbed by my recent experience at St. Leon Armenian Church.

I came with nothing more than a single candle in my hand, with the sole intention of lighting it and saying a prayer. I also had with me my small, ADA-approved emotional support/service dog, who is calm, quiet, and specifically trained to help me manage anxiety and panic attacks.

On a separate occasion, I was told by church staff that I could light a candle while accompanied by my dog, so long as I did not enter the inner corridor of the church—a boundary I have always respected. On this visit, I had no intention of going anywhere beyond the candle area.

Unfortunately, I was confronted by an individual named Arthur, who immediately began screaming at me to leave, over and over again. His tone was aggressive and humiliating. I repeatedly tried to explain that I was simply there to light a candle and say a prayer, but instead of showing compassion or even basic decency, he escalated the situation, calling security and yelling at me in front of a group of people, including children.

I was left in tears, shaking, and suffering from a severe anxiety attack—the very condition for which my service dog is intended to help. I was inches away from the candles, begging him to let me light just one candle, and he still continued to scream and drive me out.

This behavior is not that of a Christian, especially not someone representing the Armenian Apostolic Church. A true Christian should know that every single one of us is a child of God, and that a church is God’s home. You do not throw someone out who comes in peace, with a candle in hand, seeking prayer.

Whatever spirit was guiding that behavior was not of God. There was nothing loving, understanding, or Christ-like in the way I was treated. Arthur’s conduct was cruel and unworthy of someone serving in a place of worship. Someone with such a harsh and unkind spirit does not belong in a church—he has no right to push away those who come in tears looking for God’s presence.

My service animal, who behaved silently and respectfully, demonstrated more faith and peace than the individual who screamed at me. It is heartbreaking to witness such behavior in a place that bears the name of the Armenian Church.

I hope that St. Leon Church leadership takes this matter seriously and reflects on the harm done. The way I was treated was shameful and has permanently changed the way I view...

I was refused communion. I am Armenian but didn’t understand what the pastor asked me in Armenian when about to offer me bread. I said in Armenian “I’m sorry, my Armenian is not fluent, could you say that again?”and he then proceeded to look at the next person in the line, and shouted in English “next!” like communion is the line at the DMV. He ignored me as I tried to explain that I didn’t understand what he was saying. I was later told by my mother that I should have just said “yes” in Armenian. So just because I didn’t say “yes” I deserved to be humiliated at service? I was so embarrassed and I immediately sobbed my eyes out in front of everyone. I had only gone once but I immediately found another Armenian church nearby to dedicate myself to after this traumatic incident as this place was unwelcoming and definitely not what God would want coming from members of the church. It was a disgrace to come here days after the death of someone dear to me and be shunned like this. It made me far more depressed than I...

Absolutely beautiful inside and out. The architecture, the details, and the peaceful atmosphere all remind me so much of Armenia. Stepping inside feels like being transported back home. It's more than just a church—it's a piece of Armenian heritage right here in Burbank. A must-visit for anyone who appreciates culture,...