The Rev. Gregory Hogg and congregation members at the Holy Cross Antiochian Orthodox Church in Dorr are mystified over a recent church break-in.
The thief, who broke in by smashing a small hole though the glass of a back window, nabbed a random assortment of items including ceremonial lamps and bowls — none of it very valuable in a monetary way.
Nothing was overtly vandalized, either.
“I’d love to talk to this person to see what they were thinking,” said Hogg. “It’s not like you’re going to be able to fence this stuff for a lot of money.”
Hogg discovered the break-in Wednesday at the church, 1928 142nd Avenue, on the west side of Dorr. He suspects the thief broke in Monday night since Allegan County Sheriff’s investigators found footprints with snow.
It snowed in the area on Tuesday, Dec. 11.
Missing inside were five bronze icon lamps, a private Communion kit, a baptismal kit, ceremonial bowls and cloth used in giving Communion. Some oil was spilled and a bottle of altar wine was opened, but not consumed.
The most valuable single item missing was a pre-sanctified pyx, which is a gold-plated box about 3 by 6 inches, which held sacramental elements use during Lent. Hogg estimated the box is worth about $700.
All told, about $2,000 worth of church items were missing.
One of the icon lamps, which hang in front of paintings at the altar, was not taken. Oddly enough, the one that remained hangs in front of the church’s patron icon, a saint holding a cross. “It’s kind of bizarre,” he said.
Hogg said the congregation took the break-in in stride. On Sunday, the church members said some special prayers, sprinkled holy water around the church, formed a procession and started the regular liturgy.
The church is insured, Hogg said, and other Orthodox churches in West Michigan have offered to help replace the stolen items, a couple of which came from Russia and the Ukraine.
Hogg asked that people pray for the thief. He said it’s unfortunate that the person did not simply approach them for help. Something could have been arranged.
“They must have needed these things very badly,” he said. “I don’t know. I’m not angry. I just feel sad for them.”