The Protection Church, located near the famous "Hollywood" sign that appeared on the slopes of Mount Lee in 1923, was founded on June 16, 1952. This was done with the blessing of the second hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, Metropolitan Anastasy (Gribanovsky). Initially, the church was located at 150 S. Alexandria Ave. However, by 1964, the number of parishioners had significantly increased, and the building became cramped. In September of that year, it was decided to find a new location, and an old Catholic church on Argyle Avenue was acquired.

A Sunday school, a cultural and educational center, and a large church hall were opened at the church. The church houses six reliquaries with the relics and the vestments of St. John of Shanghai. These relics ended up in a parish that did not join the Church in the Homeland 10 years ago. Since then, parishioners have continued the tradition of collecting relics for the church.

The rector of the church, Archpriest Viktor Tseskovsky, has served for 36 years and is not offended if he is called a "Soviet priest." He notes that among the parishioners are Russian artists, directors, athletes, representatives of the creative intelligentsia, and newly arrived Russian-speaking people from the former Soviet Union. On Sundays, there are two Liturgies at the church: one in English, conducted by an American priest, and the other in Slavic. Up to 200 people partake in both services.