Georgia, Tbilisi, Nov. 8 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia /
Ex-Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze has called for the widespread teaching of religion in Georgian schools.
"What is happening today?" he said in an interview iwht the Asaval-Dasavali newspaper. "The president ordered firstgraders to learn English, and religion has been forgotten altogether. The schools simply do not teach the subject."
Even under Stalin's leadership, Shevardnadze said, religion was more of a priority than under the current government.
"After World War II, more than 22,000 Orthodox churches, the Theological Academy and the Seminary were opened in the Soviet Union upon Stalin's initiative," Shevardnadze said, noting that he is proud that the Holy Trinity Cathedral was built under his leadership.