Maronite Church Invaded – Hole Dug by Altar

In late February, “unknown persons” invaded Mar Elias, an ancient Maronite church in Bekaa, Lebanon.  Along with damaging one of the church’s windows, they destroyed a portion of the flooring, as they dug a large hole near the altar (see pictures below).

According to Maronite Bishop Joseph Mouwad, much of the church’s sacred items were left intact and not stolen.  Instead, “they broke the tiles and dug the ground, apparently looking for something, though we do not know what.”

Fingerprints and cigarette butts were found.

Source: OCP