The Courage to Speak Truth: When Loyalty Requires Honest Words

By Special Correspondent

"His only fault seems to be that he sees that the empire has failed, that he knows why it failed and that he is crazy enough to speak his mind."

This profound observation, reminiscent of the dilemmas faced by those who served principled leaders like Tsar Lazar, resonates deeply with the situation unfolding at Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Cleveland.

When Speaking Truth Becomes a "Fault"

In organizations and institutions throughout history, those who identify systemic problems and voice concerns often find themselves labeled as troublemakers rather than truth-tellers. For many in the Saint Sava parish community, this dynamic feels painfully familiar.

"We simply pointed out legitimate concerns about governance, financial discrepancies, and adherence to our bylaws," explains a long-time parishioner who requested anonymity. "For this, some have been labeled as 'anti-hierarchical' or 'causing division,' when in reality, we're trying to preserve proper order according to our church traditions."

This paradox—where identifying problems becomes viewed as creating problems—mirrors the historical observation about those who dared to speak uncomfortable truths about failing empires.

Seeing What Others Refuse to See

The ongoing governance dispute at Saint Sava Cathedral centers partly around documentation that parishioners have presented regarding several concerning issues:

• Tax liabilities approaching $235,000 at Marcha Monastery property

• Financial discrepancies in timber harvesting revenue accounts

• Rejection of democratically elected parish leaders without canonical basis

• Procedural irregularities in board appointments

"The documentation speaks for itself," notes a parish council member. "We're not inventing these issues—we're simply pointing to public records, meeting minutes, and the parish bylaws. Our 'fault' is refusing to ignore problems that threaten the welfare of our community."

This clarity of vision—seeing problems that others prefer to leave unaddressed—has historically been treated as insubordination rather than the deep loyalty it often represents.

Knowing the Causes

Beyond merely identifying problems, the Saint Sava community has sought to understand their root causes. Their appeals to the Holy Synod and Patriarch detail not only what has gone wrong but how governance departures from established protocols have contributed to the current situation.

"We've tried to be thoughtful in our analysis," explains another parishioner. "This isn't about personalities or politics—it's about adherence to our bylaws, financial transparency, and protection of our parish traditions. When governance departs from these principles, problems inevitably follow."

This understanding of cause and effect—knowing not just that something is wrong but why it's wrong—requires both discernment and the courage to connect dots that others might prefer to leave unconnected.

The "Madness" of Speaking Out

Perhaps most challenging is the final element: being "crazy enough" to speak uncomfortable truths despite the potential consequences.

The parishioners who have appealed to Belgrade have done so knowing they might face criticism or even repercussions. Their elected board president, Nina Markovic, saw her unanimous election rejected after accusations that multiple witnesses confirmed were false. Others have found their membership status questioned despite clear documentation.

"There's a price to speaking up," acknowledges a parish member. "But the alternative—remaining silent while our parish governance is undermined—would be a greater failure. Sometimes loyalty requires finding your voice, even when it would be easier to remain quiet."

True Loyalty vs. Silent Compliance

As the Saint Sava community awaits response from the Holy Synod in Belgrade, they continue to distinguish between true loyalty and mere compliance. Their actions—following proper ecclesiastical channels rather than taking more drastic measures—demonstrate commitment to church order even as they challenge decisions they believe violate that order.

"There's a profound difference between loyalty and blind obedience," reflects a parishioner. "True loyalty sometimes requires speaking difficult truths, especially when the alternative is watching in silence as traditions and governance principles are compromised."

In this light, the community's persistence reflects not rebellion but rather a deeper commitment to Orthodox principles and Serbian heritage—a commitment that sometimes requires the courage to speak when silence would be easier.

Editor's note: This article is part of a series exploring the spiritual dimensions of governance challenges facing Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral.