Stolen icons returned to the Nizhni Novgorod diocese

On 19 April 2006, head of the Central Directorate of Internal Affairs (GUVD) for the Nizhni Novgorod region lieutenant-general Viktor Bratanov handed over the earlier stolen and found by militia icons and church utensils to Archbishop Georgy of Nizhni Novgorod and Arzamas. The ceremony took place in the Church of Archangel Michael.

Thirteen icons, seven-candles holder and an icon-lamp were returned to the Church.

Archbishop Georgy addressed those present at the ceremony. He remarked that the awful time of theomachism was over in our country, but ‘there are people without any fear of God who steal holy objects from our churches’. The Archbishop thanked V. Bratanov for preventing attempts to loot the churches.

‘The stolen and found icons are handed over to the Nizhni Novgorod diocese, and we can pray before them’, the Archbishop said.

He added: ‘The prevention of looting is a part of our life and a step to spiritual revival. Alas, the souls of many our compatriots are down with sin. They do not stop short before sacrilege. Let us pray and work, wishing our militia God’s help, loyalty and strength’.

Archbishop Georgy said that the icons would be kept in a Nizhni Novgorod monastery.

The Nizhni Novgorod GUVD head lieutenant-general V. Bratanov remarked that regional militia actively cooperates with colleagues from other cities and countries.

‘We have found the stolen icons in Germany and Italy. In compliance with international agreements, the icons are returned to Russia’, he said.