It is the only Byzantine Ruthenian Church in the territory of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

In 1956, the bishop of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh granted permission for a priest to minister in Los Angeles.

In 1976, the third pastor, Father Eugene Linowski, re-ordered the liturgical services to conform with the authentic traditions of the Byzantine Church (according to the Recension as prescribed by Rome).

The screen maintains a traditional aura of mystery that separates the sanctuary from the rest of the church.

At St. Mary's the screen is a wrought iron grill with icons painted by local artist Mila Mina.