Nicosia, Cyprus — The best man slapped the groom on the back, an old Cypriot wedding custom. The priest punching the best man would be an innovation.

But police here said Monday they are investigating an allegation that this happened at a wedding over the weekend.

Police say the victim, the groom’s 22-year-old brother, was taken to a hospital but wasn’t seriously hurt and that his family has filed a complaint.

A family member, who didn’t want to be identified, said the priest first gestured with a raised hand for the slapping to cease, then punched the brother in the chest and face when the behavior went on.

The family member said the wedding unraveled during the ceremony’s Dance of Isaiah, when the priest led the couple around the altar three times. With the backslapping continuing, the irate priest let loose on the brother.