Stolen icons found in dustbin liners

By Andrew Adamides

ICONS stolen last month from the Church of the Apostle Barnabas and Saint Hillarion, Peristerona, were found yesterday afternoon, Justice Minister Nicos Koshis announced last night.

He said the icons were found as a result of police investigations and information received.

The stolen artworks, which date from the 19th century, were found at around 6pm, wrapped in black plastic dustbin liners. They had been secreted in a dried-up pond in a field between Dali and Lymbion. Police retained the icons for fingerprinting.

Among the icons taken from the church are depictions of Saint Barnabas and Hillarion, dating from around 1816, and portraits of Saint Nicholas, Saint Charalambos and the ascension of Christ, all of which date from 1849. All are considered priceless.

During the robbery, which occurred on the night of September 17-18, the church’s collection box was also broken into, although it is not known how much money was taken. Immediately after the theft, all ports and airports were put on alert, as it was feared the pieces had been taken by an antiques-smuggling ring which would try and take them abroad to sell.

Police are still hunting the thieves.

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