Orthodox cleric's remarks on Greece train accident triggers public uproar

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) — Remarks by a senior Orthodox Christian cleric about the victims of last week's fatal train accident in Greece has caused public uproar.

Ambrosios, the former metropolitan of Kalavryta and Aegialia, claimed that the accident was divine punishment for "severe sins committed" at the famed Patras carnival in January.

The daily Ta Nea on Thursday covered his remarks as "obscurantism and far-right views" that bred "hatred even for the victims of the greatest tragedy."

Private broadcaster SKAI TV also reported the comments, calling them an "unthinkable statement by a man of God."

CNN Greece, meanwhile, called attention to Ambrosios' "obscurantist views" and accused him of insulting the memories of the victims.

Last week on Tuesday night, a passenger train collided with a freight train around the town of Tempi in the northern Larissa province.

The official death toll stands at 57, including many university students and nine traincrew members.