site.btaChurch Relics Seized from Private Homes in Police Operation

A special operation resulted in the discovery and seizure of holy relics, a holy gospel, a staff, icons, liturgical items, a holy vessel, along with paintings, coins, and weapons by agents of the Directorate General for Combating Organized Crime (DGCOC) in Gabrovo Region, the Interior Ministry's press service said on Thursday.

DGCOC seized more than 500 church relics as part of its efforts to stop the trafficking and illegal possession of cultural artifacts. The police searched three properties and a vehicle, detaining one individual for up to 24 hours. The Gabrovo District Prosecution Service oversaw the actions.

The searches of private homes have uncovered a collection of holy relics, a gospel, two bishop's staffs, icons, liturgical items and a holy vessel. Paintings, coins, and weapons were also found. The leadership of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has been informed of the police operation. While experts are still looking into it, as investigations into the case continue, they say that there are some unique and priceless church relics among the discovered items.