Police investigating a spate of Easter Sunday robberies at Greek Orthodox churches in Melbourne

Police are investigating a spate of burglaries and criminal damage at Greek Orthodox churches on Sunday night across Melbourne.

Ten Greek Orthodox churches across Melbourne were targeted in a string of robberies on Easter Sunday, with a man caught on CCTV prying open one door with a pitchfork.

Thieves smashed into the churches of Panagia Sumela in East Keilor, Holy Trinity in Footscray, St Nicholas in Yarraville, Agia Paraskevi in St Albans, Agios Dimitrios in Moonee Ponds, The Presentation Of Our Lady in North Balwyn, St Charalambos in Templestowe, The Dormition of our Lady in Altona, St Anargyroi in Oakleigh, as well as the Holy Archdiocese bookstore at the Holy Monastery of Axion Esti in Northcote.

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia said in an announcement that “We are in the unpleasant position to have to announce that ten Greek Orthodox churches in Victoria have been targeted by burglars in recent days”.

“These sad incidents took place during hours the churches were closed, which is why the safety of the clergy and neighbouring parishes was not endangered.”

Police have been notified and are looking for the perpetrators. Australian Archbishop Makarios has been in constant communication with Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopol and Bishop of Kerasounta, Evmenios as well as the Archdiocesan Managers in Melbourne and Northcote.