Archbishop Johnathan v. Shea

Opinion

SHOEMAKER, P. J.

Dionysius Diachenko, a retired archbishop , of the Russian Orthodox Church, died intestate leaving funds in excess of $50,000 on deposit in two savings accounts. There being no heirs, the probate of the estate was taken over by the public administrator, Shea.

Plaintiffs Johnathan and Dositheus, two representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, brought suit against defendant Shea, claiming that the decedent’s estate belonged to the church. The State of California intervened in the action, opposing plaintiffs’ claim and asserting that the decedent’s estate should escheat…