ATEHNS — October 28, 1940 "is a great milestone for Greece," Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece said on Wednesday, following a special liturgy for the historic anniversary.

"We must see where we are, what we are missing, and what we want. It's an anniversary under unfavorable, difficult conditions, but we are obliged – under any circumstances – to carry out our duties," the archbishop said, expressing the hope that "these days pass quickly to bring celebrations and sparkling feasts" again.

Attendance at the Athens cathedral was sparse because of the rising cases of infections in Greece. The government spokesman had announced on Friday that the prime minister, who attends national holiday liturgies with cabinet members, prompted by a call by the archbishop to avoid large gatherings and crowding.

Attendees included representatives of Archbiship Theodoros of Alexandria, the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, and Armed Forces representatives among others.