CCTV captured the moment an armed intruder broke into a church yesterday, attempting to force his way into multiple rooms.

Police are investigating the incident, which took place about 1am inside a building at the Coptic Orthodox Church in Helensvale, on the Gold Coast.

The intruder was seen sneaking around an empty stairwell, waving what appeared to be a firearm.

Father Michael Lawandi described the footage as “frightening” to watch.

“I don’t know how many James Bond movies he’s watched, but walking around like this, it’s a bit frightening,” he told 9News.

CCTV caught the moment the intruder attempts to open a door, before walking away.

Moments later, he can be seen returning back to the door, waving the firearm and staring into the camera.

Father Bishoy El Antinoy usually sleeps inside the building but was luckily not around at the time of the incident.

“Even if he did [break into the room] he would not find anything to steal, I’m a monk, I have nothing,” he said.

The intruder continued his trail of destruction, smashing the security camera before fleeing the scene.