In the U.S., vandals ransacked and robbed the Orthodox Church of St. Vincent of Lerins

The Orthodox Church of St. Vincent of Lerins in Omaha, Nebraska, was severely vandalized and looted last weekend. The perpetrators not only stole church furnishings but also caused significant damage to the building’s interior, leading to the cancellation of Sunday services.

It is reported that the criminals broke into the building through a rear window. Liturgical chalices, candlesticks, and other metal objects were stolen from the church, which belongs to the Antiochian Orthodox Church. In addition to stealing valuables, the vandals damaged the building’s utilities: copper water pipes were cut, and the heating and air conditioning systems were damaged.

St. Vincent of Lerins Church is part of the Wichita and Central American Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. This parish was founded in 1990 by former members of the Episcopal Church in the United States who converted to Orthodoxy while retaining the Western rite. Currently, the congregation, which operates on an extremely modest budget, has launched a fundraising campaign to restore the building and install more secure entrance doors. Despite what has happened, the parishioners have emphasized their readiness to “continue to proclaim the Glory of God” and remain faithful to the Orthodox faith.