The Archimandrite’s Repeat Offense in Lamia – Previously Slapped a Female Police Officer in 2014, Now Undergoing Psychiatric Evaluation

A major uproar has been caused by the incident involving Archimandrite Ignatios Sapios, who had illegally parked on a pedestrian crossing. When officers from Lamia’s Traffic Police noticed the violation this morning and proceeded with the standard procedure of removing his vehicle’s license plates, the Archimandrite reportedly reacted violently.

According to fonografos.net, he verbally attacked a police officer and at one point even grabbed him by the throat.

Initially, the Archimandrite attempted to justify his actions by claiming he had been administering the Holy Communion to a dying person, even showing the Holy Chalice. However, as he lost control, he started hurling insults and attempting to physically assault the officers who were trying to calm him down—along with several acquaintances of his.

Among his threats, he declared:
“I don’t see you, I don’t acknowledge you! I’ll call the minister and have you fired!”

To one of the officers restraining him, he ominously said:
“May Easter never find you.”

Following this incident, the Archimandrite was taken to the local police station, and according to the latest information, he is expected to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

Previously Assaulted a Female Traffic Officer

Archimandrite Ignatios Sapios, the Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Saint George Neraida in Stylida, has a history of altercations with law enforcement.

Back in 2014, according to local media reports covering the incident, the Archimandrite was accused of assaulting a female traffic officer after she attempted to issue him a citation for speeding.

At the time, he had been pulled over for driving significantly over the speed limit. When the female officer asked for his identification, he allegedly became enraged, yelling before kicking and slapping her.

Eyewitnesses stated that the officer lost consciousness, while the cleric fled the scene as bystanders attempted to assist the injured woman.

Other reports indicate that he insulted the officer, saying:
“Aren’t you ashamed, you stupid donkey, to ask me for insurance papers?”

The Archimandrite then went on to threaten her, saying:
“I know the chief of police and senior officers—you know what that means for you…”

Following the incident, an enraged Ignatios Sapios gave his own account of the event to Star Central Greece.

He admitted that he had been driving at a high speed with two passengers—a man and a woman—but claimed he had acted appropriately.

According to his version, when he was pulled over and asked how fast he had been going, the officer responded, “157 km/h.” He replied that he hadn’t realized it.

However, he alleged that the officer then insulted him, saying:
“Of course, with a girl like that next to you, what do you expect?”

When he questioned the officer, asking, “Excuse me, have I given you such an impression?” she allegedly responded:
“Of course, because most of you [clergymen] are gay.”

At that point, Sapios said he became furious, grabbed his documents back without hitting her, and left. He claimed the officer then started yelling and later filed a complaint against him.

The Archimandrite attributed the negative publicity surrounding the case to internal church politics, claiming that rival factions within the clergy were responsible for the accusations against him.

He also stated that he had filed a countersuit against the officer.

Honored by the Metropolitan of Fthiotida

Despite these controversies, in April 2023, Metropolitan Symeon of Fthiotida honored Archimandrite Ignatios Sapios with a commemorative plaque for his 40 years of monastic and priestly service.

The Metropolitan, expressing gratitude for Sapios’ service, also awarded him the collectible medal of Saint Vissarion of Agathonos, emphasizing that Sapios had been a spiritual disciple of the saint from his early years.

Metropolitan Symeon, recalling his personal connection with Sapios, mentioned that he had first met him 26 years ago while serving as a soldier and staying at the monastery. He credited the Archimandrite for giving him a positive impression of Fthiotida.