Australia: A Greek Orthodox Church is vandalized and burned

Children allegedly set alight a Trent Road church last week, just 30 metres from Port Augusta’s fire station.

Two 13-year-old girls were arrested at the scene, while two boys, aged 15 and 12, were later charged as well.

The four have been bailed to appear in court at a later date.

According to MFS senior fire fighter Gary Gliddon, the Greek Orthodox Church of St John was deliberately set on fire at about 9.30am on Friday, with fire crews quick on the scene and able to control the blaze within 15 minutes.

Mr Gliddon said when crews arrived and gained entry to the building, it was clear that the church had been trashed prior to the fire being started.

“Fire crews went in with breathing apparatus on and extinguished the flames, but they noticed some extensive damage inside due to vandalism, so obviously it’s been seen that someone had already entered the building,” he said.

Police reported later in the day there was extensive damage done to the inside of the church, where the blaze was lit, with the damage bill at about $75,000.

A spokesman for the Greek Orthodox South Australian Archdiocese said although the community used the church sparingly, it would be repaired.

“We are trying to get someone up there to have a look at the damage, but of course, we’ll rebuild it for sure,” he said.

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