An acid attack in Athens by a priest undergoing a disciplinary hearing has hurt ten people, including seven senior Greek Orthodox bishops, authorities have said. 

Three of the bishops were still in the hospital following the attack late on Wednesday, while two lawyers were also being treated. A police officer at the scene, who arrested the suspect, was also rushed to the hospital. Three of the clerics were in serious condition according to the country’s health minister, Vasilis Kakilias, who described the incident as “unprecedented and tragic”.

Also read: Greek gymnasts allege decades of abuse by coaches

The attack took place late on Wednesday resulting in three of the bishops hospitalised while two lawyers were also being treated. The police officer who arrested the suspect of the attack was also rushed to hospital due to injuries. Vasilis Kakilias, the country’s health minister said, Three of the clerics were in serious condition, and also described the incident as “unprecedented and tragic”.

Also read: ‘Yamas!’ Greek islanders drink to a better tourism season

Those who were attacked had suffered burns, mostly on their faces and hands, local media reported. The bishops were in session to discuss possibly defrocking the priest after he was allegedly discovered to own 1.8 grams of cocaine in June 2018, according to the reports of the Greek daily Ta Nea on Wednesday. The newspaper also identified the suspect as a hieromonk or preaching monk.

Also read: Renowned Greek actor Dimitris Lignadis arrested on child rape charges

Archbishop Ieronymos II, the country’s spiritual leader also rushed to the hospital in a display of support for the clerics, while the Greek Orthodox Church reeled from the incident.

Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the president of Greece, condemned the attack, while Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the prime minister, spoke to Ieronymos , who is also the archbishop of Athens. Mitsotakis said he was heartbroken and assured the bishop that the state would “offer all possible medical assistance for the victims’ speedy recovery.