On November 2nd, the clergy and wider community of the Peace Cathedral gathered in a spirit of joy and gratitude to welcome Lia Dekanadze, who has recently completed her Master’s Degree in Religious Studies at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. Her achievement marks not only a significant personal milestone but also a meaningful moment for all who have supported her along the way—her family, especially her mother, as well as her friends and loved ones.

During her studies, Lia had the opportunity to travel to Spain, the United States, and Argentina, engaging with diverse academic environments and immersing herself in interfaith settings that deepened both her scholarly understanding and her lived experience. She returned to Georgia enriched with new perspectives, strengthened commitments, and a broadened sense of global religious and cultural interconnectedness.

Lia was welcomed home with heartfelt warmth by Bishop Malkhaz Songulashvili, who expressed deep pride in her accomplishment. Holding her thesis gently in his hands, he placed it on the altar as an offering of gratitude—an act symbolizing both thanksgiving to God and recognition of the countless hours of study, discipline, and reflection that shaped Lia’s achievement.

With sincerity and emotion, Lia spoke about her academic journey: the challenges that tested her perseverance, the insights that shaped her worldview, and the inspirational mentors and communities that supported her along the way. Her words carried both humility and courage, reflecting the depth of her intellectual and spiritual growth.