Nikolo-Ugreshskaya Seminary is located within the walls of the monastery of the same name, located in the city of Dzerzhinsky, Moscow Region. According to recent history, the institution is only 18 years old, but the traditions of education and training of clergy have more than six centuries.
Education from Dmitry Donskoy
According to the preserved chronicles, St. Nicholas Ugreshsky Monastery was founded by Dmitry Donskoy in 1380. The reason for the establishment of the monastery was the miraculous appearance of the icon of St. Nicholas to the prince. On the spot where the image was acquired, a monastery was built. The next generations of Russian rulers tirelessly cared for the fraternity and supported the monastery with numerous gifts.
Rev. Pimen Ugreshsky took up the enlightenment, who opened a school for children from neighboring villages. Knowledge was given to all who wished to study, first of all, peasant children were welcomed. The practice of training lasted until the revolution and the closure of the monastery.
Revival at the turn of the century
Spiritual life in Russia began to revive actively in the 90s of the 20th century. At the present stage, the founder of the Nikolo-Ugresh seminary was Metropolitan Veniamin, who at that time held the post of governor of the monastery. Student education began in 1999. At that time, the church experienced an acute shortage of qualified personnel; the opening of the seminary was blessed and subsequently monitored by Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II.
To date, more than 130 graduates have completed the full course of training at the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Seminary, some of them have received initiation in the dignity of the educational institution. Having been educated, priests carry the word of God in many dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church, the geography of service covers all of Russia from Western Ukraine to Vorkuta. Many students took the path of science, having received a complete set of academic knowledge at the Moscow or St. Petersburg Theological Academy.
Description
Teaching at the Nikolo-Ugresh seminary is conducted by teachers with higher secular and spiritual education. Pupils live in the monastery, are provided with full board and receive a scholarship. The training system allows you to use the Internet, an extensive library and materials on electronic media. The educational process is organized with the possibility of revealing the creative potential of each student and the development of practical skills.
The practice is based on four areas - catechism, liturgical, missionary and social. As part of their missionary work, students make trips to the Far North, where they perform church services and conduct conversations with parishioners. The fulfillment of the liturgical mission and practice is carried out by students in places of deprivation of liberty and in military units.
The educational system in an educational institution has two levels - undergraduate and graduate. Since 2010, Vice-Rector of the Nikolo-Ugresh Seminary has been Abbot John (Rubin). Bachelor's studies last 4 years, a master's degree is obtained at the end of the bachelor's degree and two master's courses.
Versatile personality development
In the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Orthodox Seminary, they pay attention not only to knowledge and spiritual practices, but consider that health is an integral part of the life of a clergyman. In the educational institution for students, a gym is equipped, access to the pool is available. The seminary football team has repeatedly participated in city and diocesan competitions.
Scientific activity is not limited to the walls of the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery. The seminary organizes church scientific, theological conferences. Students have the opportunity to participate in research projects, events of the general church and diocesan level. At the educational institution for several years, theological and educational courses “The Hidden World of Orthodoxy” have been operating, where the laity join the faith, comprehend the basics of church life for three years.
The youth movement has its own cell - the Prolog club, which brings together Orthodox youth and seminarians. Also, many students of the seminary participate in other public organizations - they visit the social service center "Mercy", the patriotic club "Squad of St. Dmitry Donskoy" and many others.
Undergraduate
The Nikolo-Ugresh seminary accepts young people under the age of 35 with full secondary education. During the entrance examinations, applicants live in the monastery, obey and take part in divine services. Candidates for study (undergraduate) pass exams in the following disciplines:
- Old and New Testament.
- Fundamentals of Orthodoxy.
- The history of the church.
- The basics of worship.
- Knowledge of the main prayers.
- Russian language (writing writing).
- Church singing.
List of required documents:
- The petition addressed to the rector.
- Education document.
- Identity document (copy).
- Recommendations from a parish priest or bishop with a seal.
- A completed application form.
- Certificate of baptism (copy).
- Certificate of family composition.
- Color photos on matte paper: 3 x 4 cm (2 copies), 6 x 8 cm (2 copies).
- Medical insurance policy.
- Medical certificate (form 086-U).
- Inquiries from a narcologist, psychiatrist, as well as from a leather dispensary and a tuberculosis dispensary.
- Military ID (registered certificate).
- Special documents of current priests.
In 2018, 22 students were accepted to the seminary for the first year of undergraduate studies, of which 12 people entered the propaedeutic course.
Master
The master's department of St. Nicholas Ugreshsky Seminary prepares specialists in the field of the history of the Russian Orthodox Church and Orthodox theology. Graduates receive the right to work as teachers, preachers, missionaries, catechists, as well as engage in administrative activities. In 2018, according to the results of entrance examinations, 12 students were accepted for the master's course.
For admission, you must pass the exams:
- History of the Russian Orthodox Church.
- Foreign language (English).
- The writing.
Applicants undergo a mandatory interview with the vice-rector of the seminary. Every year the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Theological Seminary invites everyone to the preparatory department.
The seminary training program is adapted to the present, covers not only special knowledge, but also broadens the horizons of students, allows you to get communication and work skills in modern conditions.