Russian Orthodox church stolen — brick by brick

TheLancinator · 11-13-2008, 04:41 PM

Russian Orthodox church stolen — brick by brick
Associated Press

MOSCOW – Wanted: One missing Russian church. Last seen in July. Reward for its return.

Orthodox officials in a central Russian region say an abandoned church building that was to be put back into use has been stolen by local villagers.

Orthodox priest Vitaly of the Ivanovo-Voskresenskaya diocese says officials last saw the two-story Church of Resurrection intact in late July. Sometime in early October, however, people from the nearby village of Komarovo, northeast of Moscow, dismantled the building, he said.

Villagers apparently sold it to a local businessman, one ruble (about 4 cents) per brick, Vitaly said. Orthodox priests use only one name.

"Of course, this is blasphemy," he told The Associated Press. "These people have to realize they committed a grave sin."

Vitaly said police were investigating the theft.

The 200-year-old building, which no longer had its icons and other religious valuables, was a school for disabled children during the Soviet era before it was closed down in 1998 and turned over to the church.

Vitaly said the diocese was thinking of reopening it for services.

The Orthodox church has experienced a major resurgence in Russia and has restored or built thousands of churches.

In poorer, rural regions, vandals or petty thieves regularly steal gilded icons or donations from churches and sell them for alcohol or drugs.

**Meursault** · 11-13-2008, 05:25 PM

so much for the importance of religion in russia.

**Nemowork** · 11-13-2008, 07:05 PM

Church of the Resurrection coming back from the dead?

I suppose they could pray for a miracle?

11-13-2008, 04:41 PM	#1
TheLancinator I love Post Icons Join Date: Jul 2006 Tournaments Won: 2 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 119,462 Thanks: 83 Thanked 875 Times in 613 Posts	Russian Orthodox church stolen — brick by brick Russian Orthodox church stolen — brick by brick Associated Press MOSCOW – Wanted: One missing Russian church. Last seen in July. Reward for its return. Orthodox officials in a central Russian region say an abandoned church building that was to be put back into use has been stolen by local villagers. Orthodox priest Vitaly of the Ivanovo-Voskresenskaya diocese says officials last saw the two-story Church of Resurrection intact in late July. Sometime in early October, however, people from the nearby village of Komarovo, northeast of Moscow, dismantled the building, he said. Villagers apparently sold it to a local businessman, one ruble (about 4 cents) per brick, Vitaly said. Orthodox priests use only one name. "Of course, this is blasphemy," he told The Associated Press. "These people have to realize they committed a grave sin." Vitaly said police were investigating the theft. The 200-year-old building, which no longer had its icons and other religious valuables, was a school for disabled children during the Soviet era before it was closed down in 1998 and turned over to the church. Vitaly said the diocese was thinking of reopening it for services. The Orthodox church has experienced a major resurgence in Russia and has restored or built thousands of churches. In poorer, rural regions, vandals or petty thieves regularly steal gilded icons or donations from churches and sell them for alcohol or drugs. __________________

11-13-2008, 05:25 PM	#2
Meursault Le Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Old Europe Posts: 38,948 Thanks: 141 Thanked 90 Times in 36 Posts	so much for the importance of religion in russia. __________________ sick sig courtesy of teabelly!

11-13-2008, 07:05 PM	#3
Nemowork Klompendance? Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mobilis in Mobilii Posts: 25,341 Thanks: 6 Thanked 16 Times in 7 Posts	Church of the Resurrection coming back from the dead? I suppose they could pray for a miracle? __________________ “A wise man is superior to any insults which can be put upon him, and the best reply to unseemly behavior is patience and moderation.” Moliere "You do the unseemly behavior, I'll handle the moderation" - Nemo

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