The Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth has accused a group calling itself the “Soldiers of God” of attacking the historic site on Sunday evening while it was closed.
According to a statement posted on Facebook, the group forcibly removed the outer gate and rang the church bell without permission.
“The Orthodox Community Council will not allow the desecration of a holy place, has filed a police complaint, and will follow up on it,” the church said.
The group reportedly claimed they were protesting a recent attack on the Prophet Elias Church in Damascus, which left at least 20 dead.
Footage circulating on social media appears to show a Greek Orthodox priest attempting to calm the scene, while demonstrators waved Israeli and Israeli-Christian flags. The Jerusalem Post reported that protesters were seen striking others in the crowd with wooden crosses.
Senior church leaders confronted the group and called police.
The National Democratic Assembly in Nazareth condemned the incident, stating: “The Assembly considered the attack on the church as an attack on Nazareth and its people, an unsuccessful attempt to desecrate the city’s national position and its people, and an attempt to sow discord and promote foreign and strange agendas to our community.”
The Church of the Annunciation — also known as the Church of Saint Gabriel — is built over a spring believed by Greek Orthodox tradition to be the site of the Annunciation. A major Christian pilgrimage destination, Nazareth is home to both Muslim and Christian communities and holds deep religious significance for Christians worldwide.
Source: Jerusalem Post
