Tensions Escalate as Saint Sava in Parma, Ohio Parishioners Refuse Bishop's Directive for Board Installation

By Special Correspondent

The ongoing governance crisis at Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Cleveland intensified today when parishioners refused to allow an outside priest to administer the oath to a partial board appointed by Bishop Irinej, insisting that the Holy Synod's decision must be awaited first.

Standoff During Sunday Service

Following today's Divine Liturgy, Father Dragan Goronjić announced to the gathered faithful that he had arrived under orders from Bishop Irinej to administer the oath to members of the parish board. This followed the Bishop's April 1st directive instructing Father Dragan to execute this task after claiming the parish's own priest, Father Dragoslav Kosić, was "unable to comply" with earlier instructions.

However, parishioners present at the service firmly opposed this action on several grounds:

1. Only 4 of the 17 board positions were represented among those prepared to take the oath

2. Four positions remained completely unfilled

3. The slate included former corresponding secretary, who had previously resigned from the board and whose reinstatement has been controversial due to documented concerns about altered communications

4. The matter of board approval has already been referred to the Holy Synod for a decision

Despite the tense atmosphere and heated conversations that ensued, parishioners expressed gratitude for Father Dragan's measured response and efforts to prevent further escalation of the situation. "Father Dragan conducted himself with dignity and pastoral sensitivity in a very difficult position," noted one parishioner. "He did his best to listen to the concerns of the community while fulfilling his obligations as Dean. We are thankful for his restraint and understanding in this challenging moment."

Bylaws at the Center of Dispute

According to parish bylaws, when board positions remain unfilled, the proper procedure requires the Bishop to permit another parish assembly to elect individuals for those positions. Parishioners maintain that Bishop Irinej cannot unilaterally select who will serve as board president or arbitrarily fill vacancies—a position that stands at the heart of this governance dispute.

"Our bylaws are clear," said one parishioner who requested anonymity due to fear of repercussion. "The Bishop must respect our process. We already elected a president unanimously, and the Bishop rejected her without proper cause. We've appealed to the Holy Synod and await their decision."

Broader Implications

Today's refusal by parishioners to allow the oath administration represents a significant escalation in a conflict that has been building for months. The community has made it clear they will not accept outside clergy performing functions that should be handled by their own parish priest, especially when those functions relate to contested governance matters.

Parishioners have expressed particular concern about former corresponding secretary reinstatement to the board despite serious allegations about her conduct. During a March 8th meeting with Bishop Irinej, Financial Secretary reportedly offered evidence that former corresponding secretary had attempted to alter official communications to remove statements supporting Father Dragoslav while adding false claims about other parishioners' membership status. Witnesses report that Bishop Irinej refused to review this evidence.

Awaiting Holy Synod Decision

The Saint Sava community has emphasized that they will await the Holy Synod's decision regarding their elected board and will not accept any interim arrangements that contradict their bylaws or the democratic will of the parish assembly.

"No other Father is welcomed to come to give the oath until we hear from the Holy Synod," stated a representative of the concerned parishioners. "We have followed proper ecclesiastical channels in our appeals and expect the same respect for procedure from the Diocese."

This development follows a pattern of governance concerns that have included the Bishop's cancellation of an emergency parish meeting in February, his rejection of the unanimously elected board president, and growing concerns about financial discrepancies regarding Marcha Monastery's tax situation and timber harvesting revenues.

The Eastern American Diocese has not responded to requests for comment on this developing situation.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.