The Church of Cyprus has donated €1 million to the Hellenic Naval Academy, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias announced on Friday.

In a post on social media, he said the donation was ordered by Archbishop Georgios, after he had appealed to the church.

He added that the funds will go towards improving the “salaries, careers and facilities” of academy attendees, and said, “when the new Greek frigates come to Cyprus, his beatitude will also feel for the Greek officers … and be proud of what the Church of Cyprus has done for the Greek armed forces.”

The Hellenic Naval Academy was established in 1845 and is located in the Greek port city of Piraeus. Around 400 cadets study in the academy each year, and programmes last for four years.