Just days before the celebration of its patron, a fire tore through the nave and vestry of St. Matthew Church of North Royalton, Ohio. Damage was so extensive that the pastor, Fr. Andrew Harmon, said repairs could take one year. As a result, the community held divine services for the feast of St. Matthew at a nearby funeral home.
Father Andrew says a ballast in a fluorescent fixture inside the vestry malfunctioned and sparked, causing the blaze on Saturday morning, November 11. Although the flames spread quickly, firefighters had them doused in about 30 minutes. Still, the iconostasis and much of the interior was lost or suffered extreme smoke damage. Altar server vestments and many sacred items also burned.
St. Matthew Church is a vibrant, active community that holds divine services several days a week. Father Andrew says he, the clergy, and the parishioners have no intention of letting this fire slow things down. He thanks neighboring Orthodox Churches for coming to their aid, especially in securing a temporary place to worship.
The parish has set up a YouCaring account to accept donations to assist with emergency expenses. Please keep the entire community of St. Matthew Church in your prayers during this difficult time.