Orthodox Church in America officials may expand the investigation of Bishop Nikolai Soraich to include possible malfeasance, church chancellor Archpriest Alexander Garklavs said in an interview in Kodiak, Friday.

Fr. Alexander made the statement in response to recent allegations by supporters of Bishop Nikolai during a public relations blitz earlier this month that cash-strapped OCA leaders want the Alaska diocese leader gone to get the money Alaska lands produce.

Its an accusation Fr. Alexander flatly denied.

First of all, there is absolutely no truth whatsoever that any of the actions taken by the Holy Synod, my assignment or my being here has anything to do with trying to establish control over or get revenue from lands that the church owns here, he said. In fact, there have been some allegations of the possibilities of some irregularities in management of church-owned lands by the present administration.

Land mismanagement by Bishop Nikolai isnt a new charge. The rumor dogged his administration for several years and resulted in a Dec. 5, 2006, open letter by the bishop on his Web site denying the allegations.

In addition to being accused of selling Alaskan lands, I have also been accused of mortgaging Alaskan properties, he wrote in the letter. First, I would like to ask, who in todays world has not legally sold property to upgrade or reinvest the proceeds? Yes, I have done this and all the property that has been acquired is in the name of the Diocese of Alaska.

Fr. Alexander said Orthodox leaders arent so sure. He also said during his time in Kodiak some possible irregularities concerning St. Herman Theological Seminary have surfaced that may need to be investigated.

During the interview, Fr. Alexander said he has always wanted to visit the birthplace of the Russian Orthodox Church in America but hasnt had the chance until now. Instead of a vacation as Fr. Alexander had hoped, he was here to gather facts and meet with parish clergy and laity in an attempt to mend rifts many say Bishop Nikolai created with his gruff leadership style.

Fr. Alexander said he had met with more than a dozen people since his arrival and they certainly gave him an earful.

Everybody acknowledged things arent great, he said. I guess there is some difference of opinion as to why theyre not great. Some have been appreciative of me coming, others have been apprehensive of why I was here.

The archpriest was also here to persuade the Rev. Innocent Dresdow, dean of the seminary, to follow the orders of OCA leaders and to stop commemorating Bishop Nikolai as ordered by church leader Metropolitan Herman.

In a recent letter addressed to his congregation, Fr. Innocent said he had been offered no canonical or biblical reason for doing otherwise.

Priests and laity alike have been placed on the horns of a dilemma, he wrote. Either obey our bishop or obey the Holy Synod of Bishops. All clergy have taken an oath to obey our diocesan bishop and our bishop asks us to proceed per normal church practice unless there is a canonical reason to do otherwise.

Not everyone in the church agrees with Fr. Innocent. Some leave services before the commemoration of Bishop Nikolai begins.

Fr. Innocent also said he has received no official instructions from the Holy Synod with regard to the commemoration of their bishop, and without written instructions he will defend the bishop even to the point of his priesthood.

Fr. Alexander said he hoped it wouldnt come to that, but it might.

I would say its not completely resolved, Fr. Alexander said. He has received an official hard copy, (but) Fr. Innocent is inclined to follow the opinion of Bishop Nikolai on this issue that they dont accept the decision of the Holy Synod of Bishops. He did make some very strong statements and he seems very committed.

Fr. Alexander said that commitment may eventually lead to his undoing.

Disciplinary action could be possible, he said. Hopefully, it wont come to that.

Fr. Alexander left Kodiak Friday evening for Anchorage where he hoped to meet with Bishop Nikolai. He has called a meeting of Orthodox clergy on Tuesday in Anchorage with as many of the diocese clergy as can attend.

(Bishop Nikolai) wont be invited, Fr. Alexander said.

He said he doesnt have overly ambitious goals at the clerical meeting, but simply wants the meeting to inform clergy of what is transpiring and to answer questions.

Ive been doing a lot of listening here (in Kodiak), Fr. Alexander said. Im sure Ill be doing more of that.

Fr. Alexander also took the opportunity during the interview in Kodiak to clear up some misconceptions concerning the investigation into the matter of Paul Sidebottom. Fr. Alexander said that he was one of two people tasked with the investigation and that a final report has not been submitted to the bishops.

Sidebottom alleged in 2007 that he was sexually assaulted by Archimandrite Isidore while visiting Kodiak.

There were some allegations in the case that have not been corroborated, he said. This has made it possible for some people to assert that the case is closed, but its not.

Fr. Alexander said he will return to New York on Wednesday and he will report to the Metropolitan Herman.

I will send a report to the metropolitan, he said. Ive been in touch with him almost every day by phone. In terms of my further involvement or my assignment here, that will be reassessed after I return to New York.

Mirror writer Ralph Gibbs can be reached by e-mail at rgibbs@kodiakdailymirror.com