1933 Holy Gospel Book, $6000 Worth of Copper Stolen From New York Church
A silver-gilded Holy Gospel book dating back to 1933 and other items that were stolen from a church in Buffalo, NY, have parishioners and church leaders devastated.
Robbers broke into the Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Lovejoy on Saturday, and also stole more than $6,000 worth of copper that lined the roof of the church. The Holy Gospel book and a number of other goods were stolen as well, according to local station WGRZ.
“It was on Saturday morning that I was walking the dog and I noticed this light on this pole that was smashed,” Father Volodymer Zablotskyy said. Upon further examination of the building, he discovered that the copper inlays were torn from the roof. It was surmised that burglars used a ladder to reach the copper.
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For the church, the greatest loss was the Holy Gospel book, much more so than the thousands of dollars worth of copper stolen.
“It’s hard to even put a value on that [book] that was used in prayer here for many years,” the acting parish rector told WGRZ. “I believe that Gospel book was here at least from the time this structure was built. Our predecessors, our founders read from the words from the Gospel of that book.”
The construction of the church goes back to at least 1933 as well, according to reports.
“It’s a connection to our founders. In many ways, it’s a reminder that even during times of struggle, great things can be accomplished when communities pull together,” Zablotskyy told The Buffalo News.
The book was read from during every Mass and used in confession as well, holding great sentimental value to the worshippers. The priest believed the book was taken because it was one of the only things that could be squeezed out of a small basement window that burglars broke in through.
A $500 reward is being offered for anyone who can help lead the church to recovering the Holy Gospel book.
The church hopes to make it through the winter without any leaks caused by the missing copper pieces on the roof. The church has filed claims with its insurance agency.
“The way [the thieves] did the job, how clean they took [the copper] off, it almost looks like a professional job. They knew exactly what they were doing,” Zablotskyy said.
Janet Hetzel, a parishioner who has been attending the church for 15 years, told WKBW, “[It’s] really a stinking shame.”
Robbers attempted another break-in Sunday evening as well, but nothing was reported missing from the second attempt, according to news reports.
Those with any information on the robbery are being asked to call the Buffalo Police Confidential Tipline at (716) 847-2255.
