Defence Ministry and Orthodox Church Signs MoU

The Memorandum of Understanding has been concluded between the Ministry of Defence of Georgia and The Georgian Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church. The document was signed by the Minister of Defence of Georgia Irakli Alasania and His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, the Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi and Metropolitan bishop of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia Ilia II at the Youth Center of the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

After the signature of the MoU, the sides underscored the importance of the document. “We are very happy that in his preaching Catholicos-Patriarch talked about the Georgian Army and blessed our military. We have always enjoyed close cooperation with the Georgian Orthodox Church. The document we have signed today provides very solid legal basis for further cooperation of these two institutions. We have very strong institute of Chaplains and it is very important for our Army. They accompany our troops in international missions. It is very significant for spiritual strength and courage of our soldiers to have Chaplains by their side. They should have strong belief and mind to serve our motherland with devotion. From Generals to privates, we are all very happy today that our Patriarch showed such high trust, support and love towards our Armed Forces,” declared Irakli Alasania.

MoU envisages strengthening spiritual, moral and patriotic feelings and deep understanding of military commitment before the country. Cooperation between the sides will support development of religious tolerance and civil responsibilities.

The document also implies cooperation between the religious educational institutions of the Georgian Orthodox Church and military educational institutions of the Defence Ministry, also, support of the clerics in psychological rehabilitation of the wounded warriors.

Deputy Defence Ministers, Chief of General Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces and his deputies along with the leadership of GAF attended the signature ceremony.