Holy war

1 month ago 15th Nov 13:15

Police were forced to break up monks in Israel who were "punching and kicking" each other.

The usually peaceful holy men were embroiled in a violent altercation when a ceremony from one group of Armenian monks was disturbed by a Greek Orthodox sect.

The scene of the brawl - the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem - is shared by Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Armenians, Coptic, Ethiopian and Syriac monks. It is believed to be the site of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The incident marks the second time the police have been called to the church over warring monks, who have been involved in disputes over rights to worship in the building since 1192.