Greek church files complaint over Israeli cruise passengers' alleged indecent behavior

A Greek Orthodox Church official on the island of Syros has filed a formal complaint over alleged indecent behavior by members of an organized group of passengers from the Israeli-owned cruise ship Crown Iris during a visit to a monastery, news portal Aigaio News reported on Tuesday.

According to an official report by the local church, the visitors allegedly urinated in the shared parking area of the Holy Monastery of Agia Varvara and the kindergarten, exposing their genitals in front of teachers, parents and young children.

Archpriest Flavianos Albeskou described the alleged behavior as an insult to both religious premises and public decency, particularly given the presence of children.

Albeskou also noted that the premises are monitored by a closed-circuit security camera system, whose footage could be used to investigate the incident, if necessary and in accordance with legal procedures.

In its formal complaint, the church called for immediate measures to prevent similar incidents, advance notification of visitors about appropriate conduct at places of worship and educational facilities, and an official response from the organizers.

Since mid-2025, Crown Iris’ visits to various Greek ports have repeatedly drawn pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protests.

Protesters typically underlined their opposition to the Israeli genocide in Gaza and Greece’s close ties with Israel, and in some cases made claims that passengers included off-duty soldiers.

AA