Greek PM attends August 15 liturgy in Crete

This year's feast of the Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary may have required loved ones to social distance from each other, but they are nevertheless "more united than ever," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Saturday.

The Greek PM celebrated Dekapentavgoustos with his family in Crete. They attended church service at Agia Triada Dzagarolon monastery in Akrotiri, off Chania and visited the 115 Combat Wing of the Hellenic Air Force at the base of Souda.

Mitsotakis reminded the public of following protective measures including wearing face masks, avoiding crowds and following doctors' directions.

In his message, he expressed his appreciation to the armed forces which never rest from defending Greece and to security forces, including Civil Protection, Fire Brigade and Greek police.

He also warned that "the coming Fall will be demanding, but it is up to us to transform it into an opportunity for prosperity and a start of a new era for the entire country."

"The strong deterrent ability of the armed forces is a prerequisite of peace, and this has been proven in the field in recent days," he told air force pilots and personnel.