Tara Murray
The Greek Orthodox Parish of St. Anthony Sunshine West is calling for items stolen earlier this month to be returned.
Thieves broke into the church stealing $2000 along with more than a dozen relics that Father Synesios Frangos has been collecting.
Some of the items are more than 2000 years old, including a rare crucifix, the Holy Communion box and little round ring which holds the relics of Saint Anthony and other saints.
Father Frangos said they wanted the items returned, no questions asked.
“I’ve been collecting them for 46 years,” he said.
“You can not put a price on them, you can’t sell them. I’m very depressed and I have nightmares about someone coming into my church and breaking in.”
Parishioner Kathy Kourouklis said it was disappointing for the whole community.
“Whether you believe in religion or not, respect other people’s beliefs,“ she said.
“We are pretty sure that someone out there knows someone who knows something.
“A lot of people are grieving over this. It’s worthless to everyone else.”
The church is offering a reward for the items to be returned.
Police are investigating the theft.
