Thieves steal Virgin Mary icon worth $10k from Victorian church

A religious icon worth up to $10,000 and a donation box have been stolen from a Greek Orthodox church on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula.

Two men attempted to jimmy open the front door of Holy Monastery of Panagia Kamariani in Red Hill, between 12.10am and 12.30am on February 10.

The offenders eventually broke in by forcing open the side door of the Arthurs Seat Road church.

The theft is the third time the framed gold-plated icon of the Virgin Mary, which was made in Greece in 1974, has been stolen.

Thieves previously made off with the icon alongside about $300,000 worth of gold chains, watches, coins and rings in both 2014 and 2016.

The icon was found dumped nearby, but the jewellery was never found.  

Church secretary Glik Andriotis pleaded for the thieves to return the hand-crafted item.

"They've taken it thinking there is jewellery still on her, there wasn't any jewellery on her, all the valuables have been taken from her, she was just here as a guidance and our protector," she said.

"Our message is we will forgive you no matter what, just bring it back."

CCTV footage shows the men making off with the sacred item inside the place of worship.

The icon would cost between $5,000 and $10,000 to replace.

Father Terry Tatsis said he was praying to be reunited with the religious icon.

"I don't care about the money or the jewellery," he said.

Investigators have released images and CCTV in the hope someone may recognise the men.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.