Vandal attacks Moscow Patriarchate church in Italy

Santa Croce Chapel. Photo: Olbia.it

On June 9, 2025, an act of vandalism took place at the Orthodox chapel of the Moscow Patriarchate parish in the city of Olbia, Sardinia (Italy). The incident was reported by Olbia.it.

During the night, the perpetrator broke down the door, overturned candle stands, spilled holy oil on the floor, and damaged an icon of Christ Pantocrator.

At the crime scene, police found a mobile phone belonging to the attacker, which allowed them to quickly identify him. On Sunday evening, the man voluntarily turned himself in to the authorities and admitted his guilt.

The Santa Croce Chapel, located next to the Catholic Church of San Paolo, has been used for several years by the Orthodox community of the Moscow Patriarchate, led by Fr. Nikolai Volsky. Services are held twice a month and are attended by around 50 faithful from Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, Belarus, Serbia, and Georgia.

Fr. Nikolai Volsky commented on the incident: “I am deeply saddened. We will pray about this, and for peace in hearts and throughout the world.”

The rector of the Catholic Church of San Paolo also expressed his support: “On the day of Pentecost, the San Paolo parish expresses its prayerful solidarity with the Santa Croce chapel, entrusted to the Orthodox community of the Moscow Patriarchate. This is clearly an anti-Christian act, revealing both unbelief and cowardice.”

An investigation is ongoing. A criminal case has been opened on charges of vandalism and desecration of a place of worship.

Earlier, the UOJ reported on a vandal who ransacked the altar of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

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