Georgia, Tbilisi, Nov. 17 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia /
The recently restored Archangels Choir Church was consecrated on the territory of Georgian Defense Ministry on Nov. 16.
All-Georgia Patriarch Ilia II blessed the cathedral, the ministry reported
The head of the Georgian church also blessed the army.
"I am happy to be here with you, the place where the Georgian army, the defender of our country, is being developed," he said. "I would like to say that our people place much confidence on the army. That is why the nation needs to better perceive the important role of the army and to change its attitude from the Soviet times when every citizen tried to avoid obligatory military service. Serving in the army should be a matter of dignity."
He added that the ministry must "do everything to ensure that our soldiers attend Sunday holidays." People should be closer to their soldiers, as this fosters unity and integrity, he said.