The icon of the Church of Saint Dimitri in Achrafieh that was stolen on April 11, 2023. (Photo published on April 23, 2023 by the Internal Security Forces)
BEIRUT — A 56-year-old Lebanese man suspected of stealing an icon from St. Dimitri Church in Achrafieh was arrested Tuesday, the Internal Security Forces (ISF) reported in a statement issued Sunday.
According to the ISF statement, the suspect "confessed to stealing the icon" during a funeral in St. Dimitri on April 11.
"He took advantage of the moment when the faithful were leaving the church to steal the icon," which was stored in a glass box located near the altar, the ISF detailed in its text.
The man put the icon in a bag and fled, then took it home and "erased the inscription indicating that it belongs to the parish," the statement continues.
The icon in question "dates from around 1860" and has now been returned to the parish. The suspect has been handed over to the competent authorities.