Tax Liability and Timber Revenue: Financial Questions at Marcha Monastery

By Special Correspondent

Financial discrepancies and governance issues have sparked growing concern among parishioners at Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Cleveland, according to documents and meeting minutes obtained by this publication.

Financial Troubles Revealed

The 2024 financial report presented at the yearly Diocesan Assembly in Lackawanna, NY reveals the Eastern American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church is operating at a significant deficit. The diocese reported a net operating revenue of -$64,054.21 for 2024, spending more than it earned from primary operations.

Of particular concern is the Shadeland property, which operated at a staggering deficit of -$155,018.26 in 2024, with a total net revenue of -$156,482.90. This property reportedly requires substantial maintenance and upgrades in coming years, representing a significant financial burden for the diocese.

Conflicting Statements

During a March 8th, 2025 meeting with parishioners from Saint Sava Cathedral, His Grace Bishop Irinej made statements about diocesan finances that appear to conflict with official financial documents. According to meeting minutes, Bishop Irinej claimed that timber harvesting operations at Shadeland were financially beneficial and that proceeds would be used for building and renovation projects.

However, parishioners noted that the diocese is simultaneously requesting $100,000 through the Eparchy to renovate the caretaker's house at Shadeland, raising questions about the disposition of timber harvesting funds.

Similarly, Bishop Irinej stated that Marcha Monastery has "over $200,000 in a special account from our wood harvesting operation," yet this does not appear in the financial documents provided to the Diocesan Assembly.

Tax Liability Concerns

Adding to these financial concerns is the situation at Marcha Monastery in Richfield, Ohio. According to Summit County tax records, the property (PARID: 4801442, 5095 Broadview Road) currently shows:

• Delinquent real estate taxes totaling $191,723.24

• Additional interest charges of $5,119.01

• Total outstanding tax liability of $196,842.25

With upcoming property taxes for 2025 showing additional amounts due totaling nearly $37,000, the total liability approaches $235,000.

This substantial tax burden on what should be tax-exempt religious property has raised serious questions among parishioners about the property's management. The property contains a cemetery where generations of faithful are interred, adding emotional and spiritual dimensions to these financial concerns.

Governance Disputes

Beyond financial issues, documents reveal ongoing governance disputes at Saint Sava Cathedral. Parishioners have expressed concerns about:

• Invalidation of properly conducted board elections

• Rejection of elected board members

• Implementation of governance in violation of established parish bylaws

Correspondence indicates that parishioners have attempted to resolve these issues through proper ecclesiastical channels, including appeals to the Holy Synod and to His Holiness the Patriarch. However, according to parishioners, these efforts have not resulted in resolution, and attempts to address matters directly with Bishop Irinej have reportedly gone unanswered.

Looking Forward

The financial and governance challenges facing the Eastern American Diocese come at a critical time. With an operating deficit and significant property tax liabilities, financial transparency and sound management are paramount concerns for parishioners.

Saint Sava parishioners continue to pursue resolution through proper church channels while expressing deep concern about both the financial health of the diocese and the preservation of their parish traditions and governance structures.

Editor's Note: This newspaper has reached out to diocesan officials for comment but has not received a response as of press time.