I only stayed for a short while, kept my distance and didn΄t take Communion. I apologise and accept responsibility

"The Municipality established the procession with the Sacred Relics of St. Spyridon. This is not a service but a procession and supplication to our patron saint in remembrance of the miracle which saved our island from the plague in 1630.

It was decided to cancel the outdoor procession and hold a smaller one inside the church so that there would not be a gathering of people.

I went to church without violating closed doors and stayed for a few minutes keeping the proper distance as a representative of the Municipality and then left.

I was not present and did not take part in the Holy Communion at the Palm Sunday service as has been falsely claimed.

I ask citizens to continue to follow the guidelines and adhere to the measures for the protection of public health.

I don't need and am not making any excuses - I know how to accept responsibility for my actions.

If my actions - going to the Church of St. Spyridon for the reasons I have given above - have caused moral or any other kind of distress to my fellow citizens or if I have given the wrong kind of message to the public, I apologise.

I am ready to face up to the political exploitation from some people along with the personal attacks - by my actions and speaking the truth.

I hope that Easter Week, which has just begun, strengthens our faith and our hopes, arming us with patience and perseverance in order to overcome this ordeal."