Jan 27, 2008 6:30 pm US/Central
FW Bishop Holds 1st Sunday Service Without Crown
ARLINGTON (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Despite a missing crown, the archbishop at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Fort Worth delivered his message as usual on Sunday.
This is the first time since 1985 that Metropolitan Isaiah, the bishop of the northwest region of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, led a Sunday service without it.
"I felt there was something missing," said Bishop Isaiah. "This crown has sentimental value. I've had it for 22 years."
The bishop said he doesn't believe the thieves knew what they were getting when they smashed his car window and took off with his belongings Friday night.
"I couldn't think, I couldn't speak, I couldn't say anything," said Bishop Isaiah. "I suppose the way you could describe it is disbelief, because I have never had anything like this occur to me in anyway."
Thieves stole the bejeweled head piece, his Bible and a bag given to him by the widow of a Marine.
"I served in the Marines during the Korean conflict, and she made a beautiful embroidered Marine Corps emblem on one side of the fabric bag with my name on it," he said.
The bishop is offering cash for his belongs.
"I'm not calling it a reward. I'm calling it a monetary gift as an expression of thanks," he said.
The bishop said he will also offer forgiveness.
"If Christ forgave those crucifying him, I can do nothing more than he did if I'm going to be a faithful follower," he said.
The bishop said if the crown is returned, he won't ask any questions - not even the person's name.
Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call St. Demetrious Church in Fort Worth at 817-626-5578.
While the Bishop said he has yet to receive any leads or phone calls, he is keeping the faith.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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