Red Hill Greek Orthodox Church is hoping for the return of stolen Virgin Mary icon

Thieves have hit a Mornington Peninsula Greek Orthodox church, stealing a box full of donations and a Virgin Mary religious artefact. It’s the third time in six years the treasured piece has been taken, and this time the thieves have been caught on camera.

A Greek Orthodox church in Red Hill has been robbed of a significant religious icon for the third time in six years.

The silver Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus – which had been taken in 2014 and 2016 – was again stolen in the early hours of February 10.

First Constable Niki Platis said two men tried to jimmy open the front door of the church.

“After failing to do that they forced open the side door and stole the icon, which was handmade in 1974,” she said.

Constable Platis said churchgoers used the artefact when praying for help and healing.

Red Hill Greek Orthodox Church’s Fr Eleftevios Tatsis with the stole Virgin Mary icon. Picture: Susan Windmiller

Two men were charged in September 2014 after allegedly stealing more than $100,000 worth of jewellery from the church.

Police alleged at the time the duo smashed a glass box containing the Virgin Mary and took the gold jewellery inside — including rings, coins, bracelets and bangles — which had been donated to the church.

In January 2016 the church was robbed again and the Virgin art work stolen.

After the previous thefts it was dumped in bushland and recovered days later, however because it hasn’t been recovered yet this time police have released CCTV.

Police want to speak to two men after a distinctive religious icon was stolen from the Red Hill Greek Orthodox Church.

“It’s possible the offenders thought there was jewellery in it, and a small green wooden box which contained donations made to the church was taken as well,” Constable Platis said.

“There had been a festival at the church the previous day so the box contained those donations.”

Constable Platis urged pawn shops and second-hand dealers to keep an eye out for the religious artefact.

When it was found last time, the church’s secretary Georgie Marinis told the Leader the find was a miracle.

Red Hill Greek Orthodox Church has been robbed for the third time. Picture: Susan Windmiller

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“It is the biggest miracle she (the Virgin Mary) 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.”

“The first burglary happened in 2014 when it was housed within glass and had jewellery with it,” she said.

“Church people would donate jewellery and ask for miracles.

“Any donations patrons make now are no longer kept with the icon following the previous incidents.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.