Thessaloniki is celebrating its patron saint, Saint Demetrius, as well as the 114th anniversary of the city’s liberation.

Large crowds have gathered inside and outside the Holy Church of Saint Demetrius in Thessaloniki, where a festive hierarchical concelebration of the Divine Liturgy is taking place. The faithful are flocking to the church to venerate the relics of Saint Demetrius and the icon of the Virgin Mary of Hozoviotissa, the most important relic of the historic monastery of the same name on Amorgos. The icon has been on display for public veneration since October 14.

The doxology is being attended by the President of the Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas; political and state officials; representatives of the city’s authorities; and Nikos Androulakis, president of PASOK–Movement for Change.

The customary official doxology for the dual celebration is being held in the presence of President of the Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas, presided over by Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece.