Some of Melbourne’s Greek Orthodox churches will be going the extra mile to make parishioners feel safe during the Holy week, following a series of burglaries.
According to a Greek Orthodox Archdiocese announcement, the break-ins took place in churches across Melbourne, including Panagia Sumela in East Keilor, Agios Dimitrios in Moonee Ponds, Oakeligh’s St Anargyroi and the Holy Archdiocese bookstore in Northcote’s Axion Esti Monastery.
The latest reported incident rising the number of alleged break-ins to 11, took place at the Holy Cross church of Box Hill, Neos Kosmos can reveal.
The church door was found open on Monday afternoon and police were notified of damages, missing donation boxes as well as items missing from the altar.
“We were notified to be careful but unfortunately the damage was done right after,” Parish President Nick Falekas said.
Earlier on Saturday, a small donation box had also been removed from the premises.
“According to the treasurer’s estimates the amount taken from two donation boxes – one for the purchase of flowers the other one in support of those in need – could be up to $800,” Mr Falekas said.
Easter with ramped up security
The church will be installing CCTV cameras, but from Thursday onwards some extra safety measures will be taken immediately, with the parish hiring a security guard.
“To ensure people feel safe and order is maintained,” Mr Falekas explained.
They are not the only ones.
The parish of the Presentation Of Our Lady at North Balwyn has reportedly employed overnight security. A similar step is being taken by Templestowe’s St Haralambos, a church targeted in alleged crimes twice within days.
“The church is like our home to us, so you end up feeling like your personal space is violated,” Father Elias Kentrotis told Neos Kosmos.
The first time St Haralambos was targeted by a burglary was on Saturday morning during service time.
In CCTV footage released by Channel Nine, a man is shown allegedly removing a bowl with donations from the bench next to the church door before leaving.
“We were in a way prepared when the other incident took place in the early morning hours of Monday,” Fr. Elias said, explaining the drawers where donation boxes are kept were left purposefully open and empty.
Though recognised as “a big extra cost for the church”, the St Haralambos parish committee has decided to hire a security guard to be present during Holy week.
“This is not a routine measure, but we want people to be safe when coming to church,” said the priest while asking for the community to practice forgiveness.
A war of words online and a lesson from a Saint who lied
Sources have told Neos Kosmos that at least two churches have been allegedly attacked by the same perpetrator.
Meanwhile, a debate has emerged online over the incident with many voicing a harsh critique.
Panayiota Athanasopoulos’ local parish was not among those targeted by the alleged burglaries, but she regularly attends services in some of the churches affected.
She says comments she has read on Facebook have been “condemning” of the alleged perpetrator.
“Somebody stealing money destined to help the poor is not a nice act. But if we think about it, this man could be in some sort of great need,” Ms Athanasopoulos told Neos Kosmos.
“I think instead of judging him we can pray for him.”
It is a call echoed by Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta, when asked to comment on investigations around the burglaries.
“CCTV images were in the hands of police”, Bishop Evmenios confirmed on Tuesday, adding that parishes are doing their best to ensure a safe environment for parishioners.
“But there is something I feel I want to say about this whole situation. Of course we are all saddened. But what’s crossed my mind is that whoever did this, acted out of need. And perhaps in this way, because as humanity we have not been as close to our fellow human as we should,” Bishop Evmenios said.
Commenting on the “negative reactions” noticed online, the Bishop recalls the story of St Dionysios who became an emblem of Christian values.
The Saint had lied in order to protect a man persecuted by authorities for murdering.
“It turned out he had killed St Dionysios’ brother. Let’s not forget that Church is love and forgiveness.”
According to Bishop Evmenios, the pandemic’s mental health impact has been harsh on many and this should be taken into account when confronted by someone in need.
“Avoid judgment, instead practice understanding. Everyone should know we offer help to whoever needs it, they only need to approach us and ask. But importantly, let’s not ignore a single person who wants to talk to us about their suffering. We need to listen to people, or else we might lead them to a worse situation.”
