Greek church complains over indecent conduct by Israeli cruise passengers
The church wants immediate steps to prevent repeat incidents, advance notice of conduct rules for visitors, and a response from the cruise organizers.
A Greek Orthodox Church official on the island of Syros has filed a formal complaint over alleged indecent behavior by a group of passengers from the Israeli-owned cruise ship Crown Iris, Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu Agency reported.
The complaint, which the news portal Aigaio News reported on Tuesday, is based on an official report by the local church, which said the visitors allegedly urinated in the shared parking area of the Holy Monastery of Agia Varvara and a nearby kindergarten.
The report also said some of the group allegedly exposed themselves in front of teachers, parents and young children.
Archpriest Flavianos Albeskou said the conduct insulted both the religious site and public decency, particularly because children were present.
Albeskou added that the premises are covered by a closed-circuit camera system, and the footage could be used in an investigation if necessary, in line with legal procedures.
In its complaint, the church asked for immediate measures to prevent similar incidents, advance notice to visitors about proper behavior at places of worship and schools, and an official response from the organizers.
Crown Iris has repeatedly faced protests at Greek ports since mid-2025, with demonstrators opposing Israel's war in Gaza and Greece's close ties with Israel.
Some protesters claimed that passengers included off-duty soldiers.
