Vitebsk Theological Seminary is a university where you can get training and become a clergyman. The training time is 5 years in full-time and 6 years in correspondence. Theological seminary belongs to the Orthodox Church. We offer tips for applicants and historical information about this institution.
For those wishing to do
Vitebsk Theological Seminary invites applicants for admission. The final filing date is August 24th.
The rules for admission to the correspondence department of the Vitebsk Theological Seminary require passing acceptance tests. Therefore, you must first study:
- Orthodox creed (basic provisions).
- The sacred story described in the Old and New Testaments.
- Prepare for writing an exposition, the theme of which is church-historical.
- Know the history of the Church.
- Learn the texts of Orthodox prayers and be able to read them using the Church Slavonic language.
Each applicant is additionally interviewed.
Historical information
The Vitebsk Theological Seminary has a long history. Emperor Alexander I ordered it to be created in 1806. It was supposed that children of the clergy should be trained in this institution. It was planned to finance the seminary using the money of the diocese.
Initially, the seminary was run by Metropolitan Irakli. Its location was to be St. Sophia Cathedral. But a military hospital was located here. Therefore, the Metropolitan chose the bishop’s estate Strun for the seminary 6 kilometers from Polotsk.
At the beginning of 1807, seminarians began to attend classes. For the teaching of disciplines, the Russian language was used. The first rector of the Vitebsk Theological Seminary was chosen Aurelius Sumyatsky. By the autumn of 1807, a visit was made by Emperor Alexander I. Until 1833, the seminary building was dilapidated and unsuitable for study. But later it was replaced by a building of two floors.
Teaching
In the 19th century, the number of teachers at the seminary was modest - no more than three people. Later it increased to 13 teachers. The graduates who successfully graduated from the Orthodox Theological Academy were honored to teach Russian civil history and literature. In 1840, the institution became known as the Polotsk Theological Seminary.
Since 1867, the teaching staff was replenished with the posts of rector and inspector, professor and members of the clergy. Moreover, the mission to educate moral standards among the youths was assigned to the inspector, who patiently exhorted, convinced and shamed the seminarians. The difference of this educational institution was the impeccable behavior of the students. Sometimes, for years there was no violation of behavior.
Already in these times, the seminary was equipped with a Sunday school. Seminarians themselves taught here. This was a good opportunity to practice teaching the younger generation. Students who attended also the district school and the gymnasium attended classes with the best seminarians.
During the revolution, riots broke out. During this period, the seminarians were unhappy with the internal routine. They were not satisfied with the adopted barracks regime, the hated administrators, food and sanitary conditions.
The beginning of the 20th century was a period of rebirth. Spiritual life gradually returned to normal. But there was a catastrophic lack of personnel. It took courses at which future regents-psalmists studied.
Modernity
The seminary today provides training for students in the following specialties:
- clergymen;
- theologians;
- educators;
- church workers.
The correspondence department of the Vitebsk Theological Seminary is open. Constant meetings, seminars, hearings are held. Famous graduates of this educational institution who received the rank of bishop.
To summarize
Vitebsk Orthodox Theological Seminary has existed since the beginning of the 19th century. This school has experienced heyday and periods of decline. Today the seminary has a full-time and part-time department. After graduating from seminars, the prospect of reaching the heights in the ministry of the Orthodox faith expects.
To enter the seminary, applicants must carefully prepare, pass the required exams and pass an interview. These rules apply to all who wish to devote their lives to serving the Lord. The institution is located in Vitebsk on Krylova street, house 10.