Georgia, Tbilisi, April 17 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia /
With the blessing of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, construction of a monastery complex of the Iberian Icon of the Mother of God began on Tuesday at Mount Mahat in Tbilisi. Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II held himself on the Mount Mahat service and laid the foundation of the temple.
Shrines brought from various holy places of the world and the Georgian dioceses were lain into the foundation.
Believers from all parts of Georgia, from all 33 dioceses of the GOC came by the start of construction ceremony.
With the blessing of the Patriarch people brought the stones, which marked the prayers and the names of their loved ones. They were laid in the foundation of the temple.
Especially for that day with the blessing of the patriarch an icon Angiya Predictor - the patron saint of construction was also written.
The ceremony was attended by President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili. He emphasized that Christianity is not just a sign of identity for Georgia, but a passport to Europe.
The ceremony of start of construction was attended by President of Iavnana charity fund, world renowned opera singer Paata Burchuladze, who with the blessing of the patriarch is in charge of construction of the complex on Mount Mahat.
Temple of the Iberian Icon of Mother of God is built due to donations of the Georgian flock and Georgian immigrants. Some 145,000 people have already joined popular action. The book of deceased and living, where millions of builders of the temple will be written is being created.
Burchuladze told reporters that 2 million lari, which will provide the first construction work have already been collected.