Tongan king crowned in Christian ceremony

updated 7:50 p.m. ET July 31, 2008

NUKU'ALOFA, Tonga - Tongan King George Tupou V, was crowned Friday in an elaborate Christian ceremony during which he was called on to rule "wisely, justly and truly."

He was anointed with oil and a large gold crown was placed on his head.

The coronation, which included singing by a choir of more than 300, was the first in Tonga since 1967 when King George V's father, the late King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, ascended to the throne.

King George V sat on a large golden throne in the capital's Centenary Church in front of 1,000 guests, as the Archbishop of Polynesia Jabez Bryce proclaimed he had been "anointed, blessed and consecrated" as king of the South Pacific nation's king. He then called on him to rule "wisely, justly and truly."

Thousands lined the route to the church, waving Tongan flags and balloons. As the king left the church, guests clapped and onlookers cheered.

The nearly weeklong festivities include banquets for visiting heads of state and their representatives, military parades, fireworks displays and elaborate ceremonies that mix colonial-style pomp with centuries-old tribal traditions.

More from msnbc.com Chinese city goes from riots to a beauty contest Cosmic Log: Galaxies go into shock Some 911 centers can’t keep tabs on cell phones Stub your toe? Say ‘Sh#!’ You’ll feel better Top secret: The CIA wants to hire you

MORE FROM ASIA-PACIFIC

Asia-Pacific Section Front

Japan’s Cabinet survives no-confidence vote Analysts cast doubt on North Korean report Chinese police kill 2 protesters Most Muslim nations silent on China riots Japan's ruling party could lose power China city goes from riots to a beauty contest Miners rescued after 25 days underground Asia-Pacific Section Front   Add Asia-Pacific headlines to your news reader: