The puzzle of the why's and hows surrounding the theft of holy relics in two reliquaries kept at a chapel in the courtyard of a Pano Deftera church, on the outskirts of Nicosia, has now been solved.
A 44 year old woman stole the relics last Saturday and kept them at home.
The Greek national was arrested last night to facilitate an investigation in a case of illegal possession of property. She was remanded in custody for six days by the Nicosia District Court.
The priest in charge of the church took responsibility for the theft and apologised, saying that security measures were inadequate.
'It was negligence on my part and I feel the need to say I am sorry to worhsippers', he added.
The priest noted that even churches need such protection measures, like cameras, in order to protect holy relics.
The woman appears to have stolen the Saint Ephraim, as well as the Saint Raphael, Saint Kyriaki and Saint Olympiada holy relics.