Man in Black Attacks Priest During Holy Monday Service in Paphos

A man dressed in black and holding a candle stormed into the Church of Saint Paraskevi in Geroskipou during the Holy Monday Divine Liturgy, attacking the priest and congregation. He was later arrested by police.

According to police, the incident took place on Sunday evening at the church located in the main square of Yeroskipou.

Witnesses say the young man entered suddenly during the service, behaving aggressively. He began shouting insults at the priest, urging worshippers to ignore the prayers and “read books instead.” He then attacked the iconostasis, damaging sacred items and religious icons. At one point, he smashed glass cases containing valuable icons, causing extensive damage.

Members of the church committee and several parishioners managed to subdue the attacker until police arrived.

The man attempted to flee but was spotted by officers near the church. After a short chase, he was apprehended and taken to the Paphos police station for questioning.