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By BRIAN MALINA; Times Leader Hazleton Bureau
Saturday, October 08, 1994     Page: 3A

WEATHERLY — Two Greek Orthodox clergy who operate a backyard chapel could
face as much as $40,000 in zoning-violation fines.
   
During an Oct. 17 hearing, District Justice Paul J. Hadzick will decide
whether to fine Bishop Phillip Cain and the Rev. Sergius Blumer $500 per day
for operating a church in a residential area.
    Zoning officer Jay Willard notified church officials by letter dated June
29 that they were in violation of the Weatherly zoning ordinance.
   
If Hadzick rules against church officials and sets the fine retroactive to
the day the letter was issued, Blumer will owe $40,000.
   
The dispute centers around the garage chapel known as SS. Peter and Paul’s
Old Calendar Greek Orthodox Church. Blumer filed for a permit to expand the
chapel he built in his garage during the summer of 1993.
   
The zoning board granted the permit in December 1993 but revoked it in
March 1994. The board based its decision on a 1991 zoning ordinance amendment
which requires an extraordinary use permit to operate a residence as a chapel.
   
At that time, Willard also issued a cease-and-desist order. In May, the
zoning board lifted the order because it was “procedurally incorrect,”
according to Willard.
   
Blumer argues the chapel is not affected by the ordinance because services
began two years prior to the 1991 ordinance.
   
“They cannot put a law in 2 years after we’ve been here,” he said.
   
Blumer, whose legal name is Peter Blumer, believes township officials are
motivated by religious prejudice. He predicts the legal battle will be
lengthy.
   
“The whole thing has stank from the start. It’s more than just an issue of
zoning,” Blumer said.
   
Willard disagrees. “We’re not infringing on his right to worship. It’s a
zoning issue pure and simple. In fact, I absolutely encourage him to apply for
a special use permit.”
   
“You’ll never see me go for a permit. We don’t have to,” Blumer said.
   
The controversy surrounding the small parish has affected both attendance
at the chapel and Blumer’s physical health, he said. The chapel, which once
attracted eight people weekly as recently as this summer, has had no
congregation for three weeks.
   
“I can’t sleep. I’ve lost 35 pounds and missed 23 days of work. It’s all I
can think about,” said Blumer who is employed by Monroe Systems in Allentown.
   
Cain’s life also has been disrputed, Blumer said.
   
“He has been in two car accidents since we got the letter and can’t s