Officials Say Priest Attacks Menorah In Moldova

December 14, 2009

Author: Corneliu Rusnac

Source: Google News

Wire Service: AP

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h5QM7rGb_P_klRNQyXOJthQfGhiAD9CJ7ENO1

Dozens of people led by an Orthodox priest smashed a menorah in Moldova's capital, using hammers and iron bars to remove the candelabra during Hanukkah, officials said.

The 1.5 meter(5-foot)-tall ceremonial candelabrum was retrieved, reinstalled and is now under police guard.

Police said they were investigating the Sunday attack but there was no official reaction from Moldova's Orthodox Church, which is part of the Russian Orthodox Church and counts 70 percent of Moldovans as members.