Beyond Cleveland: What Saint Sava's Struggle Means for Serbian Orthodoxy in America

By Special Correspondent

The governance challenges facing Saint Sava Cathedral in Cleveland extend far beyond a single parish dispute. They represent a potential watershed moment for Serbian Orthodox communities across America, with implications that could reshape the relationship between parishes and diocesan authorities for years to come.

A Test Case for Parish Governance

What happens at Saint Sava Cathedral will likely establish precedents—whether formal or informal—for how similar situations are handled throughout the Eastern American Diocese and potentially beyond.

"This isn't just about one parish board or one community," explains a longtime observer of Serbian Orthodox affairs in America. "It's about whether established governance procedures will be honored across all parishes or whether we're witnessing a fundamental shift in how our churches are governed."

The question of whether legally elected parish boards can be rejected without canonical cause, whether parish meetings can be prohibited, and whether financial concerns can be dismissed without proper investigation—all aspects of the Saint Sava situation—has implications for every Serbian Orthodox parish in America.

Preserving Serbian Orthodox Identity in America

For Serbian Orthodox communities in America, parish governance is intimately connected to cultural preservation. Parishes like Saint Sava Cathedral have served as anchors for Serbian identity, language, and traditions for generations of immigrant families and their descendants.

"What happens between those walls," as one parishioner described it, is about more than worship—it's about maintaining cultural continuity in a new land. This cultural preservation depends on governance structures that honor the voice of the community while maintaining proper ecclesiastical connections.

When governance procedures that have served these communities for decades are set aside, it raises concerns about the long-term preservation of Serbian Orthodox identity in the American context. Will future generations have the same connection to their Serbian Orthodox heritage if governance shifts in ways that diminish parish autonomy?

Financial Stewardship Across the Diocese

The financial concerns raised at Saint Sava Cathedral—particularly regarding the tax liabilities at Marcha Monastery and questions about timber harvesting revenues—reflect broader questions about financial stewardship throughout the diocese.

According to financial reports presented at the yearly Diocesan Assembly in Lackawanna, NY, the Eastern American Diocese operated at a deficit of -$64,054.21 in 2024, with Shadeland property showing a net operating revenue of -$155,018.26.

These figures raise questions about financial management practices that extend beyond any single property or parish. How diocesan finances are managed affects every parish community through assessments, special collections, and the overall stability of shared resources.

The Canary in the Coal Mine?

Some observers suggest that the Saint Sava situation serves as an early warning sign of governance changes that could eventually affect all Serbian Orthodox parishes in America.

"When established procedures are bypassed at one of the oldest and most prominent parishes in the diocese, it sends a message to all communities," notes a church governance specialist familiar with Orthodox structures. "Either this is an isolated case that will be corrected, or it represents a new approach to governance that could eventually reach every parish."

This perspective frames the current situation as a pivotal moment that will either reaffirm established governance norms or normalize their disruption across the broader Serbian Orthodox community in America.

The Question of Young Adult Retention

Perhaps most critically, the current governance challenges raise questions about how younger generations will view their connection to the Serbian Orthodox Church. Young adult retention is already a challenge for many Orthodox communities, with second and third-generation Serbian Americans often struggling to maintain the same level of connection as their parents and grandparents.

"Young people today expect transparency, accountability, and participation in institutions they commit to," explains a parish youth leader. "When they see governance practices that seem to contradict these values, it becomes harder to make the case for their continued involvement."

This generational dimension adds urgency to governance questions. Will the Serbian Orthodox Church in America evolve in ways that engage younger generations in parish life, or will governance approaches create additional barriers to their participation?

Ecumenical Relationships and Public Witness

The governance approach demonstrated in the Saint Sava situation also has implications for how the Serbian Orthodox Church relates to other Orthodox jurisdictions and the broader American religious landscape.

As reported previously, parishioners have expressed concerns about Bishop Irinej's participation in ecumenical activities that appear inconsistent with Serbian Orthodox tradition, particularly the reading of epistles from outside jurisdictions during services.

These ecumenical questions, combined with internal governance challenges, raise broader questions about the direction of Serbian Orthodoxy in America and its relationship to both traditional practices and contemporary religious currents.

Faithful Stewardship of Tradition

What remains constant amid these challenges is the commitment of faithful Serbian Orthodox Christians to preserve their religious and cultural heritage while adapting to the American context. This adaptation has always included governance structures that balance hierarchical authority with lay participation.

"Our ancestors who established these parishes understood the importance of proper governance," reflects a parish council member. "They created structures that would preserve our Orthodox faith and Serbian identity for generations while respecting the realities of American life."

The current governance challenges represent a test of whether this careful balance can be maintained in the contemporary context—a test whose outcome will shape Serbian Orthodox communities across America for decades to come.

Looking Forward with Hope

Despite the seriousness of the current situation, many in the community maintain hope for a resolution that honors both hierarchical authority and established governance processes. Appeals to the Holy Synod in Belgrade, Serbia represent faith in the Church's ability to correct governance imbalances through proper ecclesiastical channels.

"Throughout our history, the Serbian Orthodox Church has faced challenges and emerged stronger," notes a longtime parishioner. "We believe in the wisdom of our Holy Synod in Belgrade to guide us toward a resolution that preserves our traditions while addressing legitimate concerns."

This hope reflects a deeper faith that the governance structures that have sustained Serbian Orthodoxy in America for generations can adapt to contemporary challenges while maintaining their essential character.

Editor's note: This article explores the broader implications of current governance questions and is offered as a contribution to ongoing community reflection on these important matters.