Echoes of 1963: Saint Sava Cathedral's Continuing Commitment to Church Unity

By Special Correspondent

As Orthodox Christians, we understand that history often moves in cycles, presenting each generation with challenges that echo those faced by our predecessors. For Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Cleveland, one of these profound historical echoes is becoming increasingly apparent as we observe certain dynamics within church governance today.

The Historical Stand for Unity

In 1963, the Serbian Orthodox Church in America faced a watershed moment. Schismatic movements threatened to fragment the Church, with some clergy and parishes choosing to break away from the canonical authority of the Serbian Orthodox Church and its Patriarch. During this tumultuous period, many faithful found themselves at a crossroads, forced to choose between competing visions of church governance.

Saint Sava Cathedral took a principled and courageous stance in 1963, demonstrating unwavering loyalty to the Mother Church in Belgrade and refusing to participate in movements that would have separated the parish from its canonical and historical roots. This commitment to proper ecclesiastical order often came at great personal sacrifice to parishioners, yet they maintained their faithfulness to the Serbian Orthodox Church's unity despite significant external pressures.

This historical decision was not merely about institutional loyalty—it reflected a profound theological understanding that the Church's unity is not optional but essential to its nature. As Saint Paul reminds us, "There is one body and one Spirit... one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Ephesians 4:4-6).

Contemporary Challenges to Unity

Today, our Serbian Orthodox Church faces challenges to its unity that, while different in form, echo some of the same fundamental issues that emerged in 1963. The specific actors and circumstances have changed, but certain patterns remain recognizable to those with historical awareness.

In 1963, certain clergy separated themselves from the Patriarch and Holy Synod while claiming to preserve "true" Orthodoxy. Today, we observe concerning situations where some within the Church hierarchy appear to undermine the authority of His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije and the Holy Synod through various means—sometimes through public statements, sometimes through administrative decisions that contradict the Church's established protocols.

What makes the current situation particularly notable is an inversion of roles from 1963. Then, it was primarily clergy leading movements away from church unity. Now, in many instances, it is faithful laity who stand as some of the strongest advocates for proper canonical order under the Patriarch's leadership.

Saint Sava Cathedral's Continuing Witness

Just as in 1963, Saint Sava Cathedral again finds itself in a position of witnessing to the importance of church unity and proper ecclesiastical order. Then, as now, our parish's commitment stems not from personal preference or political calculation, but from a deep understanding of Orthodox ecclesiology and the spiritual importance of maintaining unity with the Mother Church in Belgrade.

Our parish's historical experience has given us a particular sensitivity to warning signs that might indicate threats to church unity. Having weathered the storms of the 1963 schism by remaining steadfast in loyalty to canonical church authority, we recognize that vigilance in preserving this unity requires renewed commitment in each generation.

The faithful of Saint Sava Cathedral understand that supporting His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije and the Holy Synod against forces that would undermine their authority is not an act of mere institutional loyalty, but a continuation of our parish's historic commitment to Orthodox ecclesiology and canonical order.

The Same Commitment, Different Circumstances

While historical parallels are never perfect, they can provide valuable perspective. The specific challenges of 2025 are not identical to those of 1963. The geopolitical context has changed dramatically. The diaspora Serbian Orthodox community has evolved. Yet the fundamental ecclesiological principles remain constant—the Church functions properly when it maintains unity under canonical leadership centered in the Mother Church.

Saint Sava Cathedral's approach today reflects the same commitment that guided our community in 1963, adapted to contemporary circumstances:

1. Unwavering support for canonical church leadership - Then as now, recognizing the authority of the Patriarch and Holy Synod as essential to church order

2. Rejection of factionalism within the Church - Then as now, refusing to participate in movements that create division

3. Commitment to proper ecclesiastical procedures - Then as now, insisting that church governance follows established canons and traditions

4. Protection of parish autonomy within canonical bounds - Then as now, maintaining appropriate self-governance while remaining in full communion with the Mother Church

Learning from History

One of the most important lessons from 1963 was that momentary appeals to innovation or accommodation can never replace the Church's tested wisdom embodied in its canonical tradition. Those parishes that maintained unity with the Mother Church ultimately found themselves on firmer ground, both spiritually and administratively, than those that pursued separation.

As Saint Sava Cathedral navigates contemporary challenges, we draw strength from our historical experience. We know that standing firm for church unity, even when it requires courage to address difficult situations, ultimately serves the spiritual wellbeing of our community and honors our Serbian Orthodox heritage.

The Serbian Orthodox Church has always understood that proper order in church governance is not merely administrative but spiritual in nature. When Saint Ignatius of Antioch wrote in the first century that "where the bishop is, there let the people be," he established a principle that continues to guide Orthodox ecclesiology to this day.

Moving Forward in Unity

As members of Saint Sava Cathedral, we recognize our responsibility to preserve the legacy of faithfulness that was demonstrated so powerfully by our parish in 1963. We remain committed to supporting His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije and the Holy Synod in their efforts to maintain the unity and canonical order of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

In times when various voices might call this unity into question, we remember our history and choose again the path of faithfulness to the Church's established order. We do so not out of blind obedience, but from the wisdom gained through our parish's lived experience—that preserving unity with the Mother Church ultimately preserves the fullness of our Orthodox faith and Serbian heritage.

As we face the challenges of our own time, we pray that the same Spirit that guided Saint Sava Cathedral through the trials of 1963 will continue to guide us today, that we might once again bear witness to the importance of church unity for generations to come.

May God guide everyone to make the best decisions for the Church's unity and well-being. Whatever challenges the Serbian Orthodox Church faces, the faithful's commitment to maintaining proper canonical order under the Patriarch's leadership will be essential to navigating them successfully.

Editor's note: This article reflects on historical parallels between events in 1963 and contemporary challenges to church unity. It is offered as a perspective grounded in Saint Sava Cathedral's historical commitment to canonical church order.