Despite the fact that under the conditions of the atheistic regime, the most worthy and distinguished family members were exterminated and destroyed, the heroic spirit in the Georgian gene was still not extinguished, you are also the manifestation of this gene, - it was said in the address dedicated to the veterans by the Catholicos Patriarch, Ilia II.

Patriarch's address at the event dedicated to Veterans' Day was introduced to the public by the archbishop of Bolnisi, Reverend Ephraim.

"Our veterans, our spiritual children who have dedicated themselves to the country, with the help of God, I still have the opportunity to greet you and congratulate you on a day that reminds everyone of your merits, a living example of our recent past, for the service of the country and neighbor. Despite the fact that the best part of our nation was sacrificed for faith in Christ and the protection of the motherland during the two thousand years of history, despite the fact that the most worthy and outstanding family members were wiped out and destroyed under the atheistic regime, the heroic spirit in the Georgian gene was still not extinguished, you are also the manifestation of this gene. I want to wish you health, longevity and continued tireless work for the country. Also, I want to bless your deceased brother and ask the Lord to rest their souls, and to bless their descendants, family members and relatives with peace, the grace and mercy of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, and the protection of the Most Holy Mother of God, not to be lacking to you and to all of Georgia," the Patriarch said.