More icons stolen than originally thought

POLICE yesterday revealed that a shocking 18 icons had in fact been stolen from the Church of the Apostle Barnabas and Saint Hilarion on Thursday night, and not eight or nine as was thought originally.

The value of the icons is, police say, incalculable.

Among the stolen artworks taken from the church in Peristerona are depictions of Saint Barnabas and Hilarion, dating from circa 1816, and portraits of Saint Nicholas, Saint Charalambos and the ascension of Christ, all of which date from 1849. The other pieces stolen also date from the 19th century, and all are considered priceless.

The church’s collection box was also broken into during the robbery, although it is not known how much money was taken.

Nicosia CID is investigating.

The thefts took place between 9.20pm on Thursday and 5.15am on Friday morning.

Ports and airports have been alerted in order to prevent the works from being smuggled out of the country.

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