An elderly parishioner of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Briarwood, Queens, was subjected to a vicious assault and robbery on Sunday morning. The 68-year-old woman, who remains unnamed, was approaching the church entrance around 8:20 a.m. when she was suddenly attacked from behind by a much younger assailant. The forceful blow to her face caused her to tumble backward down the steps, leaving her in excruciating pain.
The assailant wasted no time and swiftly snatched the victim’s purse, which contained $300 in cash, a cellphone, a credit card, and car keys. Shockingly, he then callously fled the scene in the victim’s 2006 Nissan Altima, leaving her lying on the ground. The incident was captured on surveillance footage, which revealed the horrifying nature of the attack.
Father Konstantinos Kalogridis, the church’s pastor, expressed his disbelief and outrage at the incident. He described the victim as a regular parishioner, emphasizing her strong ties to the community and her unwavering faith. Kalogridis visited her in the hospital, where she was initially in critical condition, but her condition has since stabilized.
The NYPD has released a video and still photo of the suspect, believed to be between 18 and 25 years old. He is described as having a dark complexion, standing approximately 5-foot-8 with a medium build. At the time of the attack, he was wearing a red hoodie under a black jacket, black pants, a black face mask, and black Jordans with red trim.
The incident has left the church community shocked and fearful, as such incidents are rare in the area. In response, the local 107th Precinct has increased police presence around the church, particularly during the ongoing season of Orthodox Lent. The NYPD is urging anyone with information about the crime to come forward and contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline.
1 Response
Mary’s Church in my neighborhood recently passed away. She was a beloved member of the community, known for her kind heart and unwavering faith. I had the privilege of getting to know her through various church events and gatherings.
One particular memory that stands out to me is when she organized a charity drive to collect winter coats for those in need. She was determined to ensure that no one in our community would go cold during the harsh winter months. She tirelessly reached out to local businesses and community members