A priest in Athens was put on leave after a photo was posted on social media showing girls dressed in the attire of altar boys caused reactions.

The photo showed the girls taking part in a Divine Liturgy.

The incident took place at the holy church of Agios Nikolaos Ragavas in Plaka, where Father Alexandros Kariotoglou officiates.

According to reports, after the posting of the photo, the priest, who became a member of the priesthood at the age of 66 having taught the word of God for 37 years in school classes from the Night of the Exarchies to the Sydney School of Theology in Australia, was put on leave by the Church authorities.

According to the same sources, the Archdiocese of Athens, which made this decision, informed the priest that he cannot officiate until the case is discussed in the Permanent Holy Synod.

It should be noted that Father Alexandros Kariotoglou has rich studies, he is a doctor of the Theological School of the University of Athens and an author of books.

Reports state that the two girls are 14 years old and are among the children who go to church every Sunday while their parents are parishioners in the Church.