The famous Agios Pavlos (St Paul’s) church on Lindos, Rhodes has reportedly banned foreigners from getting married there, after a photo of a British couple simulating a sex act went viral.
Newlyweds Carly and Matthew Lunn stunted up the picture and posted it on social media shortly after they were married.
While the couple and their friends may have found it funny, religious authorities from St Paul’s chapel were said to be “outraged” by the image.
Bishop Kyrillos of Rhodes then took the decision to ban foreigners from getting married at the stunning location, which is a very popular spot for destination weddings. A number have already cancelled to make alternative plans for their big day.
“We are Greek and we cherish our traditions and the sanctity of our religious sites,” community leader Giorgos Eleftheriou told The Times: “We cannot allow this disgusting behaviour to prevail.”
Mr Eleftheriou, also told reporters, “Shame on those two for the damage they have done. Would they have done the same in their homeland; in front of a British chapel, a Jewish temple, a Muslim mosque?
“I have hundreds of soon-to-be brides from Britain and all over the world calling me today in tears because of this decision. It’s a huge damper on our society here. We are one of the most famous wedding destinations in the world and we are booked solid through to 2021.”
“People are outraged and talking about suing the couple involved. They want the couple to publicly apologise to Rhodes and particularly the church.”
The local mayor has not yet commented on the decision but is expected to do so shortly.
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