‘Confess’: Greek Orthodox churches targeted in alleged burglaries over Easter
Several Greek Orthodox churches were the targets of alleged burglaries over the Easter long weekend, that archdiocese of Australia has reported.
Ten churches in the city and suburbs were targets of alleged burglaries, the archdiocese said on Monday; among them, the parishes of Panagia Soumela at East Keilor, the Holy Trinity at Footscray, Saint Nicholas at Yarraville, and Saint Haralambous Templestowe.
CCTV allegedly captured a man stealing a donation bowl at Templestowe. Credit:Nine News
“The local police authorities were immediately informed, and are currently conducting investigations to locate and arrest the perpetrators,” the archdiocese said in an announcement in one of its newspapers.
The archdiocese said the alleged burglaries happened when the churches were closed, “therefore the safety of the clergy or laity from the respective parishes was not endangered”.
However, CCTV obtained by Nine News shows a man allegedly stealing a donation bowl from a bench inside the entrance of the Saint Haralambous parish during a service on Saturday.
Nine reported the donation bowl contained $300, and a thief returned to the church to steal more money through the parish’s side entrance.
Saint Nicholas church caretaker George Papadopoulos urged those responsible to “go and confess for what you have done”.
The church told Nine it was targeted by a man allegedly wielding a torch and a crowbar in an unsuccessful attempt to access a donation box.
“For what you have done you’re going to front Jesus one day, and you’re going to be judged,” Papadopoulos said.
“Something has got to be done and this particular person – because it seems like it’s a one-man band – that has been caught in cameras at other Greek Orthodox churches … for whatever reason has been hitting just Greek Orthodox churches.”
Victoria Police said officers were investigating an alleged burglary at the Saint Haralambous parish in Templestowe on Monday.
“It’s believed a man forced entry into the building on Porter Street about 5.15am and stole cash,” police said in a statement.
“Detectives are working to determine if this incident is linked to reports of burglaries at places of worship in other areas over the long weekend.”
The archdiocese said other parishes targeted included Saint Paraskevi at St Albans, Saint Dimitrios at Moonee Ponds, Dormition of the Theotokos at Altona, and Saint Anargyroi at Oakleigh.
Police urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via their website.
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