The crown and other valuable items belonging to a visiting Greek Orthodox bishop from Colorado were stolen from his car in Arlington, Texas, while he was dining.

The thief smashed the window of the vehicle to steel the metropolitan crown, while Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver, an ex-US marine who served in the Korean War, was in a nearby restaurant.

The crown contains considerable quantities of gold and silver and is estimated to be worth about $10,000 (£5,000). The thief also took the bishop’s bible and a bag embroidered with his religious title. The bishop had received the bag as a gift from the widow of a fellow marine. The bishop's mobile phone and his clerical veil were also stolen.

However, Metropolitan Isaiah had to take part at a Vespers service on Saturday night and, unfortunately, was the only priest not wearing a head covering. He announced that he is prepared to offer a reward of at least $1,000 for the safe return of the crown.

Metropolitan Isaiah said that his car was parked in a “brightly lit place” and thought the vehicle would be safe in such a place, but when the returned (at about 10 o'clock) they found the car with a window smashed.

He also said for the Dallas News that the crown is of great importance to him. He received it 22 years ago and it was his first gift after being designated bishop. He said he felt "lost without it".

"I just hope and pray that those who took it will have a change of heart," the bishop said said.