Saint Sava Parishioners Anxiously Await Response from Serbian Church Leadership

By Special Correspondent

As the governance dispute at Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Cleveland enters its third month, parishioners report growing anxiety as they await responses to their appeals to the highest authorities of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Belgrade.

Multiple Appeals Meet Silence

Members of the Saint Sava community have confirmed that they have submitted formal appeals to both His Holiness the Patriarch of Serbia and the Holy Synod of Bishops following what they describe as "troubling governance decisions" by Bishop Irinej of Eastern America.

"We have followed every proper channel and protocol," explained one parishioner who requested anonymity due to fear of repercussions. "First, we attempted to resolve matters directly with His Grace Bishop Irinej. When those efforts proved unsuccessful, we appealed to the Holy Synod as is our right under Church law."

Despite these formal appeals, including detailed documentation of the situation, parishioners report they have received no acknowledgment from either the Patriarchate or the Holy Synod. Meanwhile, Bishop Irinej has reportedly not responded to direct appeals from parish members, creating what one parishioner described as "a communication vacuum during a critical time."

Stakes Remain High

The situation at Saint Sava Cathedral involves several contentious issues, including:

• The rejection of democratically elected parish board members without canonical basis

• Questions about financial stewardship of Marcha Monastery property, which faces nearly $235,000 in tax liabilities

• The undermining of parish priest Father Dragoslav Kosić's authority

• Implementation of governance decisions that appear to contradict established parish bylaws

Most recently, the controversy escalated when parishioners refused to allow a visiting priest sent by Bishop Irinej to administer oaths to a partial board that included individuals whose conduct had been questioned during previous parish meetings.

Personal Impact

For Nina Markovic, the unanimously elected board president whose confirmation was denied by Bishop Irinej, the situation has personal as well as institutional implications.

"When false accusations go unchallenged and proper membership is questioned despite clear evidence, it affects not just parish governance but people's reputations and standing in the community," noted another parishioner familiar with the situation. "Our appeals to Belgrade seek not just procedural justice but restoration of truth."

Looking to Belgrade

With Bishop Irinej's April 1st directive implementing contested governance changes and numerous appeals pending before church authorities, the Saint Sava community finds itself in a state of anxious waiting.

"We remain faithful to our Serbian Orthodox traditions and respectful of church hierarchy," emphasized one long-time parish member. "That's precisely why we've appealed to Belgrade through proper channels. The Holy Synod represents our final hope for resolution that preserves both our parish unity and adherence to church law."

Parishioners have engaged a courier to ensure their appeals and supporting documentation reach the Holy Synod offices in Belgrade, with receipt confirmation procedures in place to verify delivery.

"Every day we check for news," said one parishioner. "The uncertainty is difficult, but we remain hopeful that our Mother Church in Belgrade will provide the guidance and intervention needed to resolve this situation according to our Orthodox traditions and canonical procedures."

The Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church, which consists of all diocesan bishops under the presidency of the Patriarch, serves as the Church's supreme authority in matters of this nature when the full Assembly of Bishops is not in session.

Attempts to reach the Diocese of Eastern America and officials in Belgrade for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.