The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia is saddened by this attack on a well loved member of its Sts Constantine and Helen Church congregation on the morning of Saturday 13th March, 2021. This deeply dedicated parishioner was unlocking the Church for a service when set upon. The Archdiocese has contacted the family to express its prayers and solidarity with the victim and her family. The parishioner is currently in hospital and is being closely monitored by hospital staff.
The 78-year-old woman has been viciously attacked on the stairs outside her church. Penelope was opening Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox church in South Yarra at about 6am on Saturday morning when she was attacked.
A man and woman approached her, and the male punched her in the face, pushed her to the ground and kicked her.
She lay alone on the ground on Barry Street for half an hour before she was found by a council worker.
Her hip and wrist were fractured in the cruel attack, and she has bleeds on the brain.
Penelope’s daughter-in-law, Erin Katsavos, says it was a senseless attack.
“They did initially take her shopping trolley but they just discarded it without stealing anything, no money, not her phone. They’ve just done it,” she told 3aw.com.au.
“We’re just shocked … and just devastated for her.
“We want the people who did this to be found, so that, firstly, they can’t do it anybody else, and that they’re held accountable for what they’ve done.”
It’s too early to tell if Penelope will make a full recovery.
“It’s too early to really tell what the ongoing issues will be,” Ms Katsavos said.
“They’re still monitoring what’s going on with her brain.”
— 3aw.com.au / facebook.com/districtofmelbourne
