DIOCESE OF CHICAGO AND MID-AMERICA: May 4, 2010
Communication Regarding the Relics of St Sergius of Radonezh Located in Parma, OH

On Sunday, April 5/18, 2010, during Divine Liturgy, the relics of St Sergius of Radonezh located in the Cathedral dedicated to the saint in Parma, OH, appeared to exude an oily substance consistent with what the Holy Church has historically called myrrh (a fragrant oil).
The parishioners of the Cathedral noticed a strong fragrance which they reported to the Dean of the Cathedral, Priest Ilia Marzev. The relics are located in a reliquary and have not yet been examined by the Diocesan Administrator, His Grace Bishop Peter of Cleveland. Bishop Peter was in New York City on Synodal business. The Dean of the Cathedral is preparing a report for Bishop Peter according to the canons of the Church. After reviewing the report, His Grace will examine the relics. Following the examination of the relics by Bishop Peter, a further communication with instructions from His Grace to the flock will be distributed to the Rectors of the Diocese as well as posted on the Diocesan web site. 

In the interim the faithful are urged by Bishop Peter to pray to St Sergius that he will entreat the Lord’s mercy and guide this process to
a spiritually profitable conclusion. The faithful are asked not to travel to Cleveland or otherwise consider this incident to be a manifestation of God’s Grace until the accepted process has been concluded. This is not to say that this is not a manifestation of God’s Grace, but rather that all things should be done “decently and in order” (I Corinthians 14:40) in this and every other facet of the Church’s life. Questions in this regard may be directed to the Dean of the St Sergius Cathedral, Priest Ilia Marzev, or to the Secretary of the Diocesan Council, Priest Gregory Joyce.