Beautiful Coptic Orthodox Church Destroyed by Fire - Target of Arson in B.C. Canada - VIDEO of Suspect
St. George Coptic Orthodox Church, in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, was destroyed by fire. On July 14, 2021, the church was the target of an attempted arson, which was reported to police after damage was discovered on the door of the church. (See Surveillance video of suspect lighting the fire below) This fire comes after the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at former native residential schools in Canada. Over 40 churches in Canada have been vandalized and destroyed since the discovery.
The St. George community released this statement as they try to fundraise for rebuilding:
Our dearest brothers and sisters in Christ and members of St. George’s Coptic Orthodox Church. It is with extremely heavy hearts that we communicate with you during this sad time for our community. Due to the devastating recent events, we have started collecting donations to rebuild the church building. We encourage people who would like to contribute to the "reconstruction fund" to send their donations via e-transfer to: donation@stgeorge.ca, which will be managed by our board treasurer Reda Akladios or via PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/webapps/shoppingcart...). We thank you for your efforts and prayers. God Bless, The Church Board
Here is the Police Report:
Surrey RCMP is on-scene and investigating a fire that destroyed the St George Coptic Orthodox Church, in Whalley.
On July 19, 2021, at approximately 3:17 a.m., Surrey RCMP was informed by the Surrey Fire Service of a fire at the St. George Coptic Orthodox Church in the 13900-block of 108 Street. Thankfully, no one was injured in the fire however, the church has been destroyed.
At this time, Surrey RCMP is working with the Surrey Fire Service to investigate the cause of the fire. Investigators must wait for the debris to cool before further work can be completed; however, this fire is being treated as suspicious.
On July 14, 2021, the St. George Coptic Orthodox Church was the target of an attempted arson, which was reported to police after damage was discovered on the door of the church. Surveillance video confirmed that at approximately 2:33 a.m. on July 14, a female suspect lit items on fire at the door of the church and immediately left the area.
The suspect is described as a Caucasian woman, 5'7 tall, with a heavy-set build, and dark hair. The woman was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, a black tank top, black tights with a flower print, and black flip flops (see attached photo.)
On July 19, 2021, at approximately 3:17 a.m., Surrey RCMP was informed by the Surrey Fire Service of a fire at the St. George Coptic Orthodox Church in the 13900-block of 108 Street. Thankfully, no one was injured in the fire however, the church has been destroyed.
At this time, Surrey RCMP is working with the Surrey Fire Service to investigate the cause of the fire. Investigators must wait for the debris to cool before further work can be completed; however, this fire is being treated as suspicious.
On July 14, 2021, the St. George Coptic Orthodox Church was the target of an attempted arson, which was reported to police after damage was discovered on the door of the church. Surveillance video confirmed that at approximately 2:33 a.m. on July 14, a female suspect lit items on fire at the door of the church and immediately left the area.
The suspect is described as a Caucasian woman, 5'7 tall, with a heavy-set build, and dark hair. The woman was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, a black tank top, black tights with a flower print, and black flip flops (see attached photo.)
#Breaking @SurreyRCMP have confirmed there was an attempted arson at St. George Coptic Orthodox last Wednesday. Officials say it’s too early to confirm if today’s fire was also arson or if the two fires are connected. They’re still looking for this suspect. @CTVVancouver https://t.co/bFcFHupbOL pic.twitter.com/8WJSOGe9kD
— Regan Hasegawa (@rhasegawaCTV) July 19, 2021
Comments