ATHENS — President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou on Monday appealed to all and especially young people to prove their sense of social responsibility, especially toward the most vulnerable, through their actions, in a statement after the end of the official liturgy at St. Demetrios (Aghios Dimitrios) cathedral in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki, which is named after the city's patron saint.

The liturgy for the saint, whose feast day is celebrated on October 26, was held behind closed door as a precautionary measure against the spread of the coronavirus.

"This year the conditions are unprecedented and the measures against the spread of the pandemic prevented many of our compatriots from celebrating this day as they do every other year. However, it is necessary, as the observation of the measures is a necessary prerequisite in order to keep the situation under control, by protecting ourselves and others. So, I appeal to everyone, and especially to young people, to prove their sense of social responsibility, especially toward the most vulnerable, through actions and make a wish that this ordeal will soon end and that by next year we can all honour Aghios Dimitrios, the patron saint of Thessaloniki, together," she said.