‘Nightmare’ Fire Destroys Historic Church Hours After Celebration
Raging infernos destroyed a historic New York church over the weekend hours after congregants left after celebrating Easter, according to reports.
“Once the fire caught the wood, there (were) flames coming out of the top of the church. That’s when people were going crazy,” Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava’s caretaker Alex Velic said. “I’m in shock. I don’t know what to say. It’s sad.”
Earlier that day, nearly 700 gathered to celebrate the Orthodox calendar’s Easter.
According to its website, the National Register of Historic Places, U.S. Department of the Interior, and the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission declared the Cathedral a national landmark building.
The New York Landmarks Preservation Commission stated that the Cathedral’s “striking appearance commands special attention” and that “its special character, historic significance and aesthetic interest and value of the development, heritage and cultural characteristics of New York make it irreplaceable.”
Now, all that’s left is the charred frame.
To see extensive photos of the damage, click here.
