Saint Athanasius Church in Sinicë vandalized by unidentified persons

The Saint Athanasius Church in the village of Sinicë, located near Korçë at an altitude of approximately 1,300 meters, has been targeted in an act of vandalism. Unidentified individuals entered the premises, destroying icons and sacred objects. The perpetrators also reportedly tore open bags of cement intended for the church's maintenance and threw the contents inside the building.

Local residents, who have historically maintained the site through voluntary contributions, expressed deep distress over the incident. They noted that the church serves as a symbol of religious coexistence, having been respected and maintained by both Christian and Muslim community members.

Due to the difficult terrain and lack of proper roads or water access in the area, residents believe the act was premeditated rather than random. Some locals have suggested a potential link between the vandalism and recent divisive online content regarding local traditions, though authorities have not confirmed such a connection. The police and the Holy Metropolis of Korçë have been notified to investigate the matter.