By Sheldon Spackman

No Suspects At This Time

Red Deer RCMP investigating local church break-in

Jun 30, 2021 | 3:23 PM

Red Deer RCMP are seeking the public’s help with any information regarding a break-in at a local church over the weekend.

Cpl. Mike Evans says members were notified of the overnight break-in at St. Nicholas Ukranian Orthodox Church on Vermont Avenue around 1:00 p.m. on June 26.

He says the suspect(s) broke through a door to gain access, caused damage to the church’s interior, and took two fire extinguishers which were located by police a short distance away. Some picket fencing was also damaged, notes Cpl. Evans.

He points out, however, there is no evidence to suggest at this time that the crime was hate-motivated.

Mel Pasichnuk, Congregation President, admits the break-in is very disappointing.

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“It feels like you’re violated,” he explains. “The sanctuary and that where they broke in through the side door, they rifled through some of the stuff, especially the altar where only the priest and certain people are allowed to go in. They got in there and took some crosses out of there. No respect for the church at all.”

Despite the damage and missing items, Pasichnuk says an in-person service will take place on Saturday, as scheduled.

He says a damage estimate has yet to be completed.

If you have any information regarding this crime, contact Red Deer RCMP at 403-343-5575.