Lana Aravadze 
On 1st of June, Norwegian-English service was held at the Peace Cathedral. Rev. Leif Magne Helgesen and Bishop Malkhaz Songhulashvili lead the service. Prof. Kim Holmén Specialist Director of Norwegian Polar Institute, offered reflection, which we present in full:
I have been asked to say a few words. It is an honor to be given this
opportunity.
I am a scientist and work with finding and spreading knowledge.
Some may argue that a scientist has the “truth”.
In these days “truth” is being questioned in many ways. Is there hope for
truth?
Pastor Helgesen spoke about fellowship and hope.
Everyone, all of you, have knowledge and experience.
Sharing knowledge requires that the receiver trusts you.
Sharing knowledge requires that the receiver respects you.
Trust and respect are not things you can demand; it comes slowly through
dialogue.
But it also requires that you are giving trust and respect.
Dialogue with humans that have different knowledge and experience than
yourself is essential. Otherwise, we fall into loud echo chambers.
The Peace Cathedral collects diverse people under the same roof. The
dialogue that is stimulated from the friendships here are essential. Only the
knowledge that survives the test of diverse points of view can approach
what may be called “truth”.
I come to the Peace Cathedral because the friendships and diversity within
offer a shining beacon of hope in these troubled times.
Thank you all!
Kim Holmén, Tbilisi June 1, 2025
