GOA Metropolitan robbed

I have been to the Fort Worth parish mentioned here. Quite sad that this was done. Probably only of significance to people near here (as I am) or Greek Orthodox, but sad nonetheless.

ARLINGTON, Tex. (AP) -- A thief who broke into the car of Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Isaiah's made off with quite a haul, but fencing one of the stolen items could prove difficult.

Among the items stolen Friday night from the Metropolitan's car was a jeweled mitre of gold and silver, which Isaiah estimated to be worth $6,000 to $10,000.

Metropolitan Isaiah, who is based in Denver and is bishop for the Northwest region of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, was in Texas to visit parishes in Fort Worth and Euless. He said he was dining with others at a restaurant when the break-in occurred. He said the car was parked in a well-lit spot.

"We came out at 10 o'clock, and the window was smashed," he said.

The thief also made off with a copy of the New Testament, a veil, a cellphone and a black fabric bag. The bag had special meaning to the ex-Marine because it was given to him years ago by the widow of a fellow Marine. Metropolitan Isaiah, who served as a Marine in the Korean War, was dining with others at a restaurant when the thief smashed his car's window.

Isaiah offered a reward of at least $1,000 if the mitre, which was made in Greece, is returned without damage. "It has my name on it, embroidered Metropolitan Isaiah, so who can use it?" Metropolitan Isaiah asked.

"That was the first gift I received as a bishop 22 years ago," he said. "I feel lost without it."

At a vespers service Saturday night, he was the only priest with no head covering.

"I just hope and pray that those who took it will have a change of heart," he said.

Another article by the Star Telegram here.