Priest Confronts Greek MP During Church Feast Liturgy

Church of the Life-Giving Spring in Larissa, Greece. Photo: imlarisis.gr

LARISSA, GREECE — A religious celebration at the Holy Church of the Life-Giving Spring was disrupted on April 17, 2026, when a priest publicly confronted visiting political officials during the Divine Liturgy, escalating tensions in the congregation.

The incident began when the priest objected to the presence of MP Christos Kellas and local authorities seated in the front rows, interrupting the service to demand they move to the back of the church. He accused political figures of attending church only for appearances and criticized their conduct and public compensation.

The remarks intensified as the priest voiced opposition to recent legislation on same-sex civil partnerships, directly linking his criticism to the MP’s political positions. The confrontation triggered mixed reactions among worshippers, with some applauding the priest’s statements while others expressed discomfort over the disruption of a major feast-day service.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Greece affirmed same-sex adoption rights in a landmark ruling.

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