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."
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