On Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th of October, the Diocese of Chicago & Mid-America was honored to have His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, officiate the celebration of the 75th anniversary of one if its oldest parishes, the cathedral of St. Sergius of Radonezh in Cleveland, OH, 2025.

His Eminence arrived in Cleveland on Saturday and led a panihida for the reposed clergymen and founders of the parish, and that evening served the All-Night Vigil in the cathedral, adorned not just with the traditional iconography of the temple, but with the beautiful hymns emanating from the cathedral choir, led by Natalia Marzev.

Sunday dawned with perfect fall weather, sunny and crisp. His Eminence was met by the peal of bells from the cathedral bell tower as nine priests and three deacons, led by cathedral rector Archpriest Ilia Marzev, greeted Metropolitan Nicholas at the cathedral doors. His Eminence celebrated Divine Liturgy this day, and the clergy were joined by a multitude of subdeacons, readers, and altar servers.

A large number of the faithful partook of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

After Liturgy, a procession was held under the bright blue Ohio sky, sent by the Lord to further adorn the feast.

At the conclusion of the divine services, awards and gifts were given. A Synodal decree congratulating the parish on their anniversary was read, signed by all of the members of the Synod of Bishops. Archpriest Peter Selenoi, retired cathedral clergyman, received the Order of the Kursk Root Icon, 2nd Class, to mark his 50th anniversary as a priest. His Eminence also presented the cathedral parish with a hand-painted icon of the Holy Royal Martyrs. Finally, His Eminence presented Fr. Ilia with a special award: the ROCOR centenary jeweled cross.

The Polychronion was then intoned for all who received awards, and for all the faithful of the cathedral.

The celebration continued at the St. Sava Serbian Cathedral hall. The parish children presented a short concert, as did the parish choir. The founding clergymen and faithful of the cathedral parish were warmly remembered with a good number of personal recollections of those who have been long-time members of the cathedral. Archpriest Gregory Joyce, secretary of the Mid-American Diocese, conveyed congratulations from Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada, Locum Tenens of the Diocese. Archbishop Gabriel could not join the celebrations, as he is in Australia to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his brother’s (Archpriest Nikita Chemodakov) ordination to the priesthood.

The gathered faithful stayed long into the afternoon reminiscing over the rich history of the parish, much of which can be found in the short note below, included in the program for the festal meal on this auspicious and spiritually uplifting day.

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Looking at this beautiful cathedral – with its soaring architecture and radiant frescos – it may be tempting to think that St. Sergius parish has always been so richly blessed. But in truth, like so many Russian immigrant communities in America, its story begins with great humility. What the faithful enjoy today is not the fruit of wealth or ease, but of God’s mercy and the unwavering faith, sacrifice, and love of parishioners, past and present.

St. Sergius Parish was founded in July 1950, when Cleveland’s Russian Orthodox faithful received permission to hold services in a small garage converted into a chapel by the waterfront. Their first pastor was Archimandrite Anthony (Medvedev; +2000), who later became Archbishop of San Francisco & Western America. The full cycle of services was celebrated in that humble space until, in 1952, the growing community built a church on Superior Avenue and East 67th Street. It was there that their numbers swelled and, in 1975, Archimandrite Alypy (Gamanovich; +2019) of blessed memory – later Archbishop of Chicago & Mid-America – was consecrated Bishop of Cleveland.

As families began to move from the city into the suburbs in the 1970s, the parish also prepared to move by purchasing property on Broadview Road in Parma in 1979. Construction of the present cathedral soon followed and by 1981, services began in the unfinished building. Six years later, in 1987, the cathedral was completed and consecrated in a day of great joy. Metropolitan Vitaly (Ustinov; +2006), three bishops, and many clergy were present, and the event was even noted in the city’s press as a moment of real importance for Cleveland.

One of the treasures of the cathedral is its frescos, which embrace the entire interior with color and light. They were painted by Archbishop Alypy himself, whose gift as an iconographer has been recognized across the Orthodox world. Along the ceiling of the nave are depictions of early saints of the Church, some rarely shown elsewhere. The great icon of All Saints of Russia, painted soon after their glorification in 1981, includes the Royal Martyrs – one of the very first such depictions. Other beloved frescos include the Resurrection of Christ on the north wall, the Nativity on the south, and the Dread Judgment across the west.

Alongside these frescos are large icons of the feasts and of saints especially close to the Russian heart, painted by Archpriest Theodore Jurewicz, a former rector of the parish and now priest in Holy Nativity Old Right Parish in Erie, PA. Placed at eye level, they invite every worshipper to draw near and venerate them. In 1992, Archpriest Peter Burlakov (+2016) and the parish hosted a clergy conference in commemoration of 600 years of the repose of St. Sergius. The parish also hosted two St. Herman Youth Conferences (1998 and 2002).

In 2003, Archbishop Peter (Loukianoff; +2024) of Chicago & Mid-America of blessed memory was ordained vicar Bishop of Cleveland. An elevator was added in 2009. Several cupola modifications culminated in 3 golden domes in 2024.

Today, St. Sergius remains a vibrant parish family. Under the care of its rector, Fr. Ilia Marzev, the community numbers around 100 members, with many more faithful who worship together regularly. The church school continues to teach students in the Russian language and Orthodox Faith. Active sisterhood and brotherhood prepare meals, organize celebrations, and extend a hand to those in need. From 2012 through 2017, festivals were held to raise funds for projects such as the Belfry and Canopy in 2014.

Parishioners are grateful for all that God has given them and for the love and faith of those who came before. They pray that St. Sergius Cathedral will continue to be a home of prayer, fellowship, and faith for generations to come. Glory to God for His great and tender mercies!

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