Greek police on Friday scuffled with far-right activists who tried to attend Good Friday processions despite the coronavirus lockdown rules that forbid church gatherings. According to the police, around 70 people gathered outside Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox church in Korydallos, a suburb of Athens Friday evening after an online call from Ilias Panagiotaros, a former lawmaker of the neo-nazi Golden Dawn party. The activists demanded that priests proceed with the Epitaph procession, during which a candle-lit progress through the streets. Policemen tried to disperse the far-right members who reacted by throwing firecrackers. Eighteen people were arrested by police. Easter is Greece's foremost religious celebration, during which churches record their highest attendances. . Authorities warn this could prove disastrous in this year's fight against the virus. Greece has so far announced 108 deaths from the virus since March 12. The government has repeatedly stressed that Easter church gatherings and family feasts are strictly banned under lockdown rules. Special police patrols have been set up near churches ahead of Easter Sunday, and officers are instructed to be on the lookout for large gatherings in gardens and on roofs and balconies. Unwarranted movement is punishable by a fine of 150 euros, and double that amount for those caught travelling outside prefecture borders. str-kan/pvh