The picturesque chapel of the St Paul monastery in Lindos, one of the most popular tourist sites in Rhodes, has been attracting couples from around the world wishing to have their wedding take place against what they deem genuinely romantic scenery. Now these dreams come to an abrupt end, as the local church leader, Bishop Kyrillos has decided to ban all “foreign weddings” from the monastery, after a couple of newlyweds from the UK posted a photo on Facebook which has scandalised the local community.
The photo in question features the newlywed couple engaging in a simulation of oral sex, the bride kneeling in front of the groom, who has his pants around the ankles – all this in close proximity to the chapel.
The photo went viral, scandalising the local community and causing the ire of Bishop Kyrillos who decided to ban all non-religious wedding ceremonies.
The practice of the chapel being leased for civil marriages, which has been criticised for a long time by the diocese (as well as part of the council), which wanted it to stop; now they have got a reason to go forward with it.
This decision is bound to have an effect on the town’s economy, which relies on tourism. There have already been dozens of complaints made by couples – mostly from the UK – who have made arrangements to hold their weddings at the chapel and now see their plans ruined and costing them thousands. Some have already pressed charges against the rude couple.