Members of Manitoba’s St. Elijah Romanian Church are appealing to thieves to return two gold wedding crowns used in traditional Orthodox wedding services..St. Elijah was one of two recently vandalized rural churches in Lennard, about 20 kms from the Saskatchewan border, reported the CBC.. St. Elijah Romanian OrthodoxFootsteps are seen on a layer of white powder on the red carpet floor in St. Elijah Romanian Orthodox in Lennard, MB, suspected to be left from a vandal using a fire extinguisher. .Vandals also hit Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church with what appears to be a fire extinguisher that left a film of white powder all over furnishings and religious artwork in the churches..“It’s heartbreaking, heart-wrenching,” Corey Leclerc, president of St. Elijah, told the CBC Tuesday..He and his wife Sandra wore the crowns 25 years ago when they were married..The identical 50-year-old crowns are made of gold with red, purple, and blue jewels on the sides..Barry Sawchuk, vice-president of St. Elijah, pleaded with whoever stole the crowns to return them..“Anyone that has taken them would have a hard time selling them or getting anything for them just because of the uniqueness,” he said..“They are invaluable to our Orthodox church community and the people attached to our church. Just bring them back.”.Sawchuk also said it will take a lot of work to clean up the church..“I couldn't believe the whole church was covered. There isn't an inch of space that's not covered.”.“We don't have very many members, and everyone is getting old and trying to do our best to keep the church going, and something like this happens.”.An elder at Holy Trinity said a fire extinguisher was found in the church..Russell RCMP are investigating.
