The Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth claimed that a group calling themselves "Soldiers of God" attacked the church on Sunday evening while it was closed, the church claimed in a Facebook post.
"The Orthodox Community Council will not allow the desecration of a holy place, has filed a police complaint, and will follow up on it," the church's statement read.
The "Soldiers of God" removed the outer gate of the church and rang the bell without permission, the church claimed.
The "Soldiers of God" were claiming to protest the Islamic State terror attack at Mar Elias Church in Damascus, which killed at least 20, the church noted.
Video footage shared on social media appears to show a Greek Orthodox priest attempting to control the small crowd, while the crowd waves the flag of Israel and the Israeli-Christian religious flag.
The same footage appears to show protesters, supposedly from "Soldiers of God," hitting others in the crowd on the head with wooden crosses.
Senior church leaders arrived at the scene, confronted the protesters, and called the police, the church added.
The church later called for a gathering to occur at 6:30 p.m. on Monday in the church courtyard as a "public gathering in response to the attack on the church."
Local organization condemns 'Soldiers of God'
The National Democratic Assembly in Nazareth condemned "Soldiers of God," according to reports in Arabic-language media.
"The Assembly considered the attack on the church as an attack on Nazareth and its people, an unsuccessful attempt to desecrate the city's national position and its people, and an attempt to sow discord and promote foreign and strange agendas to our community," the report stated.