Georgia demands return of Monastery of the Cross from Jerusalem
27/2/2012
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili wants Israel to return control over the Monastery of the Cross in Jerusalem, News.ru reports.
The monastery was built by a son of Georgian King Bagrat IV in the 11th century. It was named after part of the cross used for the crucifixion of Christ, which was stored at the monastery. Georgian national poet Shota Rustaveli lived in the monastery in the 12th century. The Greek Orthodox Church took over control of the monastery in the 17th century.
Saakashvili said at the Academy of the Defense Ministry in Gori that the monastery is part of Georgia’s historical heritage that needs to be returned. He emphasized that negotiations with Israel continue.
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