St. Theodosius was organized in 1896 as the first Orthodox parish in Cleveland. The parish was founded by Carpatho-Rusyn immigrants who moved to Ohio to work in the oil and steel industries. The current Byzantine Revival building was completed in 1912, featuring 13 onion-shaped domes that represent Christ and the twelve apostles. In 1978, the church was featured in the Academy Award-winning film The Deer Hunter, which portrays Russian-American steelworkers during the Vietnam War. 

The church is located in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood, which is believed to be home to one of the largest concentrations of historic places of worship in the U.S. within one square mile. The congregation participates in historical tours and the Tremont Arts & Cultural Festival. The parish hall has also provided space for dance groups, music groups, and public meetings for the local community development corporation. 

In May 2024, the church experienced a major fire during a roof restoration project. The fire significantly damaged the roof and several domes, while compromising the structural integrity of the building. Since the fire, the church has worked with professionals to remove the debris, address the risk of collapse, and develop restoration plans. The congregation is meeting in the church hall while they work to restore their main building.

An Intervention Fund grant of $90,677 awarded in 2026 will support temporary shoring and stabilization work at the west gable and dome interface. This work is essential to prevent further deterioration, protect historic materials, and ensure public safety before further reconstruction can proceed.

Photo by Alevtina Cherepanova