by Christine Kim
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Anchorage police responded to St. Innocent Russian Orthodox Cathedral after receiving a call early Wednesday afternoon.
Someone had smashed crosses and burned a gospel book before leaving the remains scattered on the floor.
According to the church, there were several items that were stolen.
Police say it appears the suspects came in through two windows in the back of the church.
A parishioner who called the police said it may have happened between midnight and 11:00 a.m.
Father Peter Chris says the church has been vandalized several times before, but this is the worst he's seen.
"The gospel that was thrown and ripped that we use during the gospel reading and the hand cross that we use was totally destroyed, cannot be used again," said Chris.
Police have taken pictures and dusted for prints and the case will be forwarded to detectives.
