CLEVELAND — Cleveland fire officials tell 3News that Tuesday's fire at the historic St. Theodosius Orthodox Christian Cathedral in the Tremont neighborhood has been ruled as accidental.
Specifically, investigators say the fire was caused by roofers.
According to Cleveland Division of Fire Assistant Public Information Officer John Kearns, damage to the cathedral is estimated at $1 million. The church is currently not usable.
The flames broke out at the church on Tuesday afternoon at around 4:30 p.m. near Starkweather Avenue and Professor Street.
3News cameras spotted smoke pouring from the 112-year-old building. Authorities reported no injuries, but firefighters on scene requested backup battling the flames.
The church released the following statement on Facebook following the fire:
"As many of you already know our Cathedral was greatly damaged by a fire that started this afternoon. The fire started on the roof for unknown reasons. I would like to thank the Cleveland Fire Department and other local fire departments for their help. I also offer my gratitude to the Cleveland police, Tremont West, our neighbors, friends, and, of course, to you, our dear parishioners of our beloved Cathedral. A family that prays together, stays together. May our Lord, through the prayers of the Holy Theotokos and our Father St. Theodosius, help us! In Christ, Fr. Jan."
Pictures from inside the church can be viewed in the gallery below:
PHOTOS | Damage from fire at historic St. Theodosius Orthodox Christian Cathedral in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood
In addition, Archbishop Daniel Brum of Chicago and the Midwest arrived in Cleveland on Tuesday evening to inspect the church. He led a service on the cathedral's grounds at 11 a.m. on Wednesday.
St. Theodosius was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, the same year it was similarly designated a Cleveland landmark. It also gained fame for its role in the Oscar-winning film "The Deer Hunter," serving as the location for the wedding between John Savage and Rutanya Alda's characters.
3News' Tyler Carey contributed to this report.
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