• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

Greek Orthodox priest shot at church in Lyon, France

1:24
Headlines from ABC News Live
Laurent Cipriani/AP
ByRashid Haddou, Alexandra Svokos, and Ibtissem Guenfoud
October 31, 2020, 7:39 PM

A Greek Orthodox priest was shot at a church in Lyon, France, at about 4 p.m. local time Saturday.

The priest, identified by French police as Nikolas Kakavelakis, was in critical condition, a spokesperson for the national police said. He is in care at a hospital, police said.

Security and emergency personnel are on the scene where an attacker wounded an Orthodox priest before fleeing in Lyon, France, Oct. 31, 2020.
Philippe Desmazes/AFP via Getty Images

A search was underway for the assailant. One arrest had been made, but it is unclear if the arrested person is the shooter, according to police.

Related Articles

MORE: France on highest security alert after terror attack

Two gunshots were fired from a hunting rifle, police said.

"An event is underway near the Jean-Macé sector, in the 7th arrondissement in Lyon," the French Interior Ministry wrote on Twitter early Saturday afternoon. "Security and rescue forces are there. A security perimeter has been installed."

A French soldier stands behind a cordon near the scene where an attacker wounded an Orthodox priest before fleeing, Lyon, France, Oct. 31. 2020.
Philippe Desmazes/AFP via Getty Images
A woman walks past the Greek Orthodox church after a priest was shot while he was closing his church in the city of Lyon, France, Oct. 31, 2020.
Laurent Cipriani/AP

The ministry added that people should avoid the area.

This attack comes as the nation is on high-alert after a terror attack at the Basilica of Notre-Dame in Nice this week.

French authorities are monitoring the Lyon shooting but have not qualified it as an act of terrorism.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Up Next in News—

'Rogue' AI agent went haywire at tech company. The CEO is still 'bullish' on the technology

April 29, 2026

King Charles III gives toast at White House state dinner: Read his full speech

April 29, 2026

This San Francisco shop is run completely by an AI agent

April 23, 2026

Mother charged after teen son allegedly hits and injures 81-year-old veteran while riding e-motorcycle

April 23, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News