A Romanian priest has been fined and could be defrocked after he was caught playing poker in a pub.
Vasile Mihaila, 40, parish priest for Negoesti village in Gorj county, was caught in the act by police during a routine search.
The priest and other two men were each fined £200 for gambling illegally in an unauthorised place.
A police spokesman told Gazeta de Sud: “There were nine men at the table playing poker but only three of them had money in front of their seats. I was stoned when I heard one of them was a priest.” [Is that the proper terminology to use for an officer of the law? - ed]
Orthodox church officials said they have opened their own investigation but add the priest could be defrocked for “activities incompatible with the service of a clergyman”.
Technorati Tags: Crime, Religion, Priesthood, Stupid Criminals
