Bishop Marveti and Umbisa Melchizedek Doctor of Theology of the University of Athenstranslated

On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, His Eminence Bishop Marveti and Umbisa Mr. Melchizedek (Hadzidze), of the Patriarchate of Georgia, defended his doctoral thesis with distinction at the Theological School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The thesis of the theophilist: "The Orthodox Church of Georgia as an Exarchate of the Church of Russia (1811–1917)", was prepared under the supervision of professor Mr. Konstantinos Manikas and discussed a particularly important period of the Ecclesiastical history of Georgia. The presentation and support of the thesis caused special interest among the members of the examination committee, which was reflected both in the questions asked and in the scientific discussion that followed. The professors of the University of Athens pointed out that among the relevant studies that have been prepared in the Greek language, the doctoral thesis of Bishop Melchizedek is the first systematic and particularly careful approach to this specific historical period.

At the same time, they emphasized that the work presents in a clear and comprehensible manner important aspects of the history of the Church of Georgia, which until today remained in...