What If? Reflections on Preserving Serbian Orthodox Tradition in America

By Special Correspondent

As Holy Week gives way to the joy of Bright Week, our thoughts turn not only to Christ's Resurrection but also to the future of Serbian Orthodoxy in America. The current governance challenges facing Saint Sava Cathedral and other parishes prompt thoughtful consideration of broader questions about preserving our cherished traditions for generations to come.

The Foundation of Parish Life

For over a century, Serbian Orthodox parishes in America have flourished through a delicate balance of hierarchical authority and local governance. This balance, enshrined in parish bylaws and diocesan constitutions, has allowed our communities to remain firmly rooted in canonical Orthodox tradition while adapting to the unique challenges of preserving Serbian faith and culture in the American context.

What if this balance, carefully cultivated through generations, were to shift significantly? History teaches us that religious communities thrive when governance structures respect both hierarchical authority and the legitimate role of the faithful in parish administration.

The renowned Orthodox theologian Alexander Schmemann observed that "the Church is hierarchical not because it is an organization in which some command and others obey, but because it is a living organism in which some organs fulfill one function, others fulfill another function." This organic balance has sustained our parishes through wars, economic upheavals, and cultural shifts for over a century.

Beyond Individual Parishes

Saint Sava Cathedral's current situation invites reflection on broader questions facing Serbian Orthodoxy in America. What if similar governance challenges were to affect multiple parishes across the Eastern American Diocese?

The strength of Serbian Orthodoxy in America has always been its parish communities—vibrant centers of faith, culture, and tradition where language classes, folklore groups, and religious education ensure our heritage passes to the next generation. These communities depend on stable, transparent governance structures that honor both episcopal authority and the voice of the faithful.

Orthodox ecclesiology teaches us that the Church is neither a democracy nor an autocracy, but a unique community where all members contribute according to their proper role. As Metropolitan Kallistos Ware writes, "The Orthodox Church is a hierarchy, but not a hierarchy of power... It is a hierarchy of service."

Learning from History

Serbian Orthodox communities in America have faced challenging moments before. In the 1960s, governance disputes led to painful divisions that took decades to heal. Those who lived through that period remind us of the importance of addressing governance concerns through proper canonical channels before positions harden and communion is threatened.

What if today's governance questions go unaddressed? History suggests that when legitimate concerns about proper procedure and financial transparency remain unresolved, trust erodes gradually, and parishes that once thrived begin to struggle. Young people, particularly those born in America, may find it difficult to remain connected to communities where governance issues create an atmosphere of uncertainty.

Preserving the Sacred Trust

Our parishes represent more than buildings—they embody a sacred trust passed down through generations. Each iconostasis, each Serbian language class, each donation toward maintaining cemetery grounds reflects the commitment of faithful Serbian Orthodox Christians to preserving their heritage.

What if this chain of cultural transmission were weakened? The consequences would extend far beyond any current disagreements about board appointments or financial management. At stake is nothing less than the continued vitality of Serbian Orthodoxy in the American diaspora.

The Path Forward

"Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation," Christ teaches us (Matthew 12:25). The health of our diocesan family depends on addressing concerns through respectful dialogue and adherence to established procedures.

What if instead of viewing governance concerns as challenges to authority, we recognized them as expressions of deep commitment to preserving Serbian Orthodox traditions? What if transparency and adherence to bylaws were embraced as strengthening rather than diminishing hierarchical authority?

The faithful who raise questions about proper governance do so not to undermine the Church but to ensure its continued vitality. Their concern stems from love for the very traditions they seek to protect.

Looking to the Holy Synod

As we celebrate Bright Week and the joy of Christ's Resurrection, many eyes turn to Belgrade, where the Holy Synod embodies the collective wisdom of our Church's leadership. Serbian Orthodox faithful in America maintain deep respect for this venerable institution that has guided our Church through far greater challenges than those we face today.

What if the Holy Synod's response to current governance concerns demonstrated both pastoral sensitivity and commitment to proper order? This could set a powerful example of how Serbian Orthodoxy addresses challenges while preserving unity—a witness not just to our own faithful but to all Orthodox Christians in America.

The continued vitality of Serbian Orthodoxy in America depends not on who prevails in any current disagreement, but on whether we collectively maintain the balanced approach to church governance that has sustained our communities for generations.

A Prayer for Unity in Truth

During this radiant Paschal season, let us pray that the light of the Risen Christ illuminates a path forward that preserves both proper order and the distinctive parishes that have been beacons of Serbian Orthodox faith in America for over a century.

In the words of the Paschal hymn, "let us call brothers even those who hate us, and forgive all by the Resurrection." But forgiveness flourishes most fully in communities where truth and proper order are cherished, where both hierarchical authority and the legitimate role of the faithful are respected according to our Orthodox tradition.

What if the outcome of current challenges actually strengthened Serbian Orthodox witness in America? This remains our fervent prayer as we await the light of Resurrection.

Editor's note: This article reflects on broader questions of Serbian Orthodox governance and tradition rather than specific disputes. It is offered in a spirit of respectful contemplation during this Bright Week.