*Attached video: Inside look at Tremont church after fire
CLEVELAND (WJW) – Church Mutual, the insurance company for St. Theodosius Church, is suing a roofing company that they say started the massive fire that damaged the church in 2024.
St. Theodosius Russian Orthodox Cathedral caught fire in May of 2024. At the time, officials ruled the fire accidental, and it was said to have started as roofers were making repairs and soldering the iconic copper roof at the church.
The lawsuit says Forest Roofing was working on the roof and domes at the church at the time.
According to the insurance company, workers were allegedly using a heat-producing gun that came in contact with combustible materials, which sparked the fire.
The last fire investigators determined the fire was accidental, but the insurance company says it could have been prevented.
According to St. Theo’s website, the cathedral was built in the shape of a cross and is topped with 13 crosses and cupolas, representing Jesus and the Twelve Apostles. The church has been at the heart of the Russian community since its cornerstone was laid in September 1911.
The rest of the world may know St. Theodosius for its role in the 1978 blockbuster movie, “The Deer Hunter.”
Church Mutual is seeking more than $3 million in damages.
Celeste Houmard
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