The Theological Moscow Academy is a place where you can learn spiritual culture and become a spiritual guide for hundreds of people. What is the history of this place? Can everyone connect their life with God and what is needed for this? The answers are in the article below.
Brief introduction
The Moscow Theological Academy and Seminary is a higher educational institution of the Russian Orthodox Church, which is engaged in the professional training of teachers of God's word, clergy and theologians. The history of this university begins back in 1685 on the basis of the Trinity Lavra Seminary and the Slavic-Greek-Latin Academy. In 1919, after revolutionary events, the seminary was closed, but already in 1946 its activities were resumed.
Story
The Moscow Orthodox Theological Academy and Seminary in its original form was founded in 1685. Until 1814, it was called the Slavic-Greek-Latin Academy and was located in the center of Moscow. The first graduation of clergymen glorified the academy for many years to come. Today, graduates of this educational institution are talented clergy, preachers and church writers throughout Russia.
In the spring of 1685, the monks Ioannicius and Sophronius appeared before the kings Peter and John, who were greeted in two languages, with the proposal to create a theological school. The brothers brought with them to the capital many learned books that were written by the best priests. Already in the winter of that year, the future theological Moscow Academy was inaugurated. Two years later, new buildings are being built, the number of students is increasing significantly.
The brothers created their own education system, which consisted of three levels. At the first, students were taught writing and reading in Greek. At the second stage, they had an in-depth understanding of grammar. And only after that the students were taught rhetoric, physics, pithitics and logic. The Theological Moscow Academy gives the Greek language a paramount role, while Latin leaves it only as a supplement.
In the late 1690s, the educational institution was going through difficult times, as the founding brothers had to leave its walls. Teaching passed into the hands of the best students - Fedor Polikarpov and Nikolai Semenov.
Latin planting
With the beginning of the reforms of Peter I in the educational institution, they stop teaching students in Greek. The head of the academy is Metropolitan Stefan Yavorsky, who during his leadership significantly improves the financial condition of the academy, as well as some educational moments. Unfortunately, the Greek language was only allowed in 1738.
The history of the Moscow Theological Academy comes to its peak under Metropolitan Platon (Levshin), who was appointed director in 1775. He does everything in order to return his native language to the academy and he succeeds. His great merit is the introduction of regulations for pupils. Each of them had to strictly observe fasting, prayer, the rules of prayer and remember the time that should be given to prayer.
The metropolitan selected the best minds among the poor pupils who were obedient and capable. They were called "platonists." Their way of life was different: the “Platonists" lived separately, had their own library and studied languages intensively. Subsequently, they were to become the best spiritual servants.
In 1775, thoughts began to appear about moving the academy to another city. Metropolitan Plato wanted the Ascension Monastery to become a new place, but this option was not approved by the highest authorities. The final decision was made in 1812, when the French captured Moscow. Zaikonospassky monastery was almost completely burned, and the monks were killed. In the spring of next year, everything was more or less restored, and academic life continued in Sergiev Posad.
The reign of Alexander I is characterized by many innovations and modernizations that have had a positive impact on the academy. The Moscow Theological Academy, the photo that we see in the article, was inaugurated in the fall of 1814 in Sergiev Posad. This was followed by a quiet time for the school, when much attention was paid to expanding and improving the educational process. At this time, many rules are being implemented that are still in force today. Then comes the rector A. Gorsky, who is considered one of the best rectors of the academy. He did a lot of useful and good things not only for the university, but also for many students. Gorsky is also the creator of the new Russian church history.
Present
The end of the 19th century was characterized by some decline, but already at the beginning of the last century, life at the academy was gradually getting better. The educational process suffered, because the latest reforms were very doubtful. For some time, the school even had to close. But in 1946 it received a "second wind". Until today, the academy has experienced many difficulties, but it has survived - and this is the main thing.
Icon painting school
There is an icon-painting school at the academy, which is accessible to men and women who have reached the age of 35. The icon-painting school is an educational institution of the Moscow Patriarchate. Education has a two-stage program. The first stage of training is three years. After that, a person receives a diploma. The second stage of training lasts only 2 years. The Moscow Theological Seminary invites only those who have completed the first with honors to the second level of study.
When submitting documents for training in an icon-painting school, a student should know the initial, morning and evening prayers, as well as the prayer of the Mother of God. It is important to be able to read liturgical books in the correct Church Slavonic language. There is a special creative competition that aims to test artistic abilities: within 6 hours, the student must reproduce a certain part of the icon. When evaluating the work, the proportionality of the image, the correct transfer of color and character, as well as rational placement on paper, are taken into account.
Structure
The head of the educational institution is Archbishop Eugene Vereisky. The rector is appointed according to the decree of the Patriarch of Moscow. The management of the academy is carried out on the basis of the Charter and with the help of vice-rectors, who are also appointed by the Patriarch. The rector has the right to establish the rules and regulations, determine the powers of certain departments, as well as give instructions that are possible within his professional competence.
The Academic Council of the Academy deals with the issues of the educational process and scientific activities. It also regulates the principles of the development of the university and its priorities in order to achieve the maximum effect from the educational and educational processes.
Information for applicants
The Theological Moscow Academy invites people who want to connect their lives with the service of God. You can study at the undergraduate and graduate programs. Also, those who wish can continue their studies in graduate school or in a regency school. For admission, the applicant must submit all the necessary documents that are listed in a special list on the website of the institution.
Contact Information
Where is the Moscow Theological Academy located? The address is as follows: the city of Sergiev Posad, Krasnogorskaya Square, 1. The educational institution is located in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. Opening hours from 9 am to 6 pm all week, except weekends and holidays.