Unknown perpetrators cut down a metal cross from the dome of the Assumption of Mary Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Legnica over the weekend, damaging the roof and prompting calls for authorities to investigate.
Perpetrators Desecrate Religious Symbol
The Legnicka Diocese reported that on the night of September 12-13, unknown individuals cut down a metal cross from the dome of the Assumption of Mary Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Legnica. They also damaged the roof of the church. The perpetrators appeared to be well-prepared and equipped, suggesting their actions were deliberate.
Roof Damage and Security Concerns
The perpetrators climbed onto the church’s roof using a ladder, then secured ropes to the roof’s covering, which allowed them to climb onto a smaller dome where the cross was located. The alarm was triggered but only after the cross had been removed.
Priest’s Urgent Appeal
In a statement to TVN24, parish priest Father Mirosław Drapała expressed concern that there might have been additional damage to the church’s property. He noted that, had it not been for the intervention of a private security group, further crosses could have been damaged.
Ukrainian Ambassador’s Intervention
The incident also drew the attention of Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Wasyl Bodnar, who called on Polish authorities to initiate urgent actions regarding the damage to the church’s roof and the removal of the cross at the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Legnica.