Congregation rejoices as stolen Virgin Mary religious icon returned to Red Hill Greek Orthodox Church
WATCH: POLICE work and perhaps divine intervention has retrieved a priceless icon of the Virgin Mary stolen from a church on the Mornington Peninsula.
South East
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POLICE work and perhaps divine intervention has retrieved a priceless icon of the Virgin Mary stolen from a Red Hill church.
The theft devastated the Greek Orthodox congregation who say it has the ability to cure sickness and deliver miracles.
The icon depicting the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus sits in a glass cabinet and is often draped with offerings of jewellery.
Panagia Kamariani church secretary Georgie Marinis told the Leader the find was her best miracle yet.
“It is the biggest miracle she has ever given us,” Ms Marinis said.
“Everybody just had a sick feeling because she just wasn’t where she was meant to be and the whole building was echoing like it was empty.”
Father Eleftherios Tatsis said he forgave the offenders and only wanted the icon returned safely.
“We’re so happy and relieved,” he said. “I forgive them but said ‘give us back the icon’.
“The gold is meaningful for people who have wishes, but we wanted the icon back and now we have it.
“So I very much thank police because it's the second time they’ve helped us.”
The church was previously targeted by burglars in July 2014 who took gold and silver but spared the icon.
“I pray for them (police) too because it’s not easy to be a police these days,” Father Tatsis said. “Without them we can do nothing.”
Ms Marinis said the icon had a long list of achievements.
“She’s a miraculous icon. Father Eleftherios Tatsis takes the icon to sick persons because they have the faith that she will help them get better,” she said.
“There are a lot of miracles through cancer healing. There are also couples who can’t have children — a lot of them have had children through Our Lady.
“We believe she speaks to father — that’s why people come from all over Melbourne and the world. She is very special to us.”
Police are still hoping to find two men captured on CCTV committing the burglary about 3.50am on Sunday, January 31.
Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit Senior-Constable Baden Long said the icon was found upside down with the glass smashed on the side of White Hill Rd in Red Hill.
“Everything had been pulled apart and it was in shambles,” he said.
“It has caused some distress to the Greek community, but now they’ve got the religious icon back it will be some relief to them.
“We’re still hopeful that a member of the public will come forward with some information.”
Ms Marinis said the church was no longer leaving valuables on the site.
Police want anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the website crimestoppers.com.au.