Greek and Armenian priests and worshippers scuffled at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday yesterday, part of a growing rivalry over religious rights at Christianity’s holiest shrine.

In the fight, a Greek priest was pushed to the ground and kicked, according to witnesses from both sides. Two Armenian worshippers were briefly detained by Israeli police.

A spokesman said he did not know the precise cause of the scuffle.

Fights are not uncommon among the representatives of Christian sects who jealously guard their rights to parts of the centuries-old church.

Scores of Armenian supporters staged a protest outside the police station during the questioning of the two, beating drums and chanting.