A key Church of Greece office site in central Athens has been attacked by arsonists, who destroyed two cars in the courtyard but caused no damage to the building.
There has been no claim of responsibility for the overnight petrol bomb attack at the seat of the Holy Synod, the Church’s governing body.
But church buildings and property have been the target of vandalism and arson over the past few days by anarchist groups. The attacks follow the police eviction last month of squatters using a disused Church property as a refugee hostel in the northern city of Thessaloniki.
Last weekend, a group of anarchists disrupted a Sunday service at Thessaloniki’s cathedral.
Greece’s left-led government condemned the Athens attack later Monday, promising to protect religious freedoms in the country.
At least four traditional wooden buildings have been severely damaged by a fire in the old center of the main town on the western Greek island of Lefkada, but no injuries have been reported.
The fire service said 35 firefighters with 15 fire vehicles, assisted by a water-dropping helicopter, have managed to contain the blaze that broke out Monday in the closely built-up town center.
Officials said part of the old town center was evacuated to allow the helicopter to drop water on the flames without endangering bystanders.(AP)