Police say
Saint Barbara Orthodox Church in Toms River was vandalized over the weekend,
and now leaders want to know who is responsible.
Father Paul
Pappas tells News 12 on Saturday
night, the sign along Church Road was destroyed, and then on Sunday night,
vandals knocked over several of the marble steps. A window on the side of the
church was also broken.
Father Pappas
says repairs will cost at least $15,000.
“It makes
no sense whatsoever,” says Pappas. “If somebody has a problem concerning any
type of our beliefs or faiths, we're here to answer any questions. To do damage
like this is senseless and it's rather sad but the good news is we pray for
those people and everything can be repaired. It's just a sad day this has to
happen especially on holy property and our beautiful city of Toms River.”
Father
Pappas believes it was not a hate crime, just done by people with nothing
better to do.
There is no
word yet on any arrests.
The church opened back in 1992. There are daily and weekend services scheduled
at the church.
Anyone with information is asked to contact
police at (732) 349-0150.