Greek Priest Detained for ‘Anointing’ Tourist’s Genitals with Holy Oil

A Greek Orthodox priest was arrested on the Greek island of Rhodes for allegedly molesting a male tourist from Estonia, according to local media. The priest reportedly “anointed” the tourist’s genitals with holy oil.

The tourist and his girlfriend first met the 49-year-old priest at a monastery during their holiday to the island.

Greek Orthodox monasteries often attract tourists owing to their historical and aesthetic appeal. Many of the monasteries make money selling honey, religious icons, and souvenirs.

Greek Orthodox priest on Rhodes arrested for “insulting sexual dignity” of a tourist

The local Dimokratiki newspaper reported that the Estonian tourist, aged 30, accidentally left behind the crucifix he had purchased. When he returned the next morning to retrieve it, the priest invited him into a small reception room in the monastery, stating that he wanted to “give him a special gift.”

The priest then requested the tourist to remove his trousers and underwear so that he could “anoint” him.

It is alleged that the priest proceeded to massage the holy oil onto the man’s private parts. Feeling bewildered and embarrassed, the tourist was unsure about the legitimacy of the ritual. However, upon contemplation and after leaving the monastery, he decided to reach out to the local police and report the incident.

The police arrested the Greek Orthodox priest on a charge of “insulting the sexual dignity” of the tourist. The case is now with the criminal prosecutors on the island of Rhodes.

According to reports, the priest attempted to justify his actions by stating that the Estonian man had a rash, and he believed he was offering assistance by treating it.

It remains to be seen how the incident will be resolved.

Other incidents on Rhodes

Rhodes is one of the most popular Greek island tourist destinations, although some holidaymakers this year have been caught up in unfortunate or bizarre incidents on the island.

In June, dozens of tourists, mostly from the United Kingdom, had to be rescued from a burning tourist boat after it went up in flames. The inferno engulfed the entire boat after flames broke out about 300 meters from Stenga Beach in the town of Archangelos.

Passengers told of how they were forced to plunge into the water below as the entire wooden deck where they were standing started to catch fire.

The Greek coast guard said all 82 passengers were eventually taken to land, but children were still left ‘traumatized’ by the horrifying ordeal.

Just a month before, in May, a British tourist was struck by lightning and killed on the island. According to reports, the 26-year-old man was swimming at around 14:00 during a thunderstorm. The tourist ignored the advice of other swimmers to exit the water and was struck by lightning and killed.

British media reported that the 26-year-old tourist was in the sea in the Agia Agathi area of Rhodes when he was struck by lightning.

The local emergency services on the island rushed to the scene and he was taken to the Archangelos Health Centre. However, despite their efforts, the first responders and medical professionals were unable to save him.