St. Philaret's Orthodox Christian Institute (SFI) is the first theological university in Russia, opened during the Soviet era. Education in it is available to both priests and laity. The founder of the educational institution is the religious organization "Sretenie". The institute is accredited by the state. Holds two licenses - ecclesiastical and secular.
History
St. Philaret Orthodox Christian Institute was opened in 1988. 12 students started their studies there according to the program developed by the rector Georgy Kochetkov, which will be discussed in more detail later.
The first years of work, during the Soviet era, the institution functioned unofficially. In 1992, registration was carried out, the institution was called the Moscow Higher Orthodox Christian School. Moscow Patriarch Alexy II blessed the establishment.
1994 was marked by the opening of a correspondencedepartments in theological direction, which provided an opportunity for non-resident students to study. In 2001, the Theological College began its activity, in 2005 - the Faculty of Religious Studies. Since 1998, the institute has been engaged in catechesis (teaching the basics of faith) for members of the Orthodox Church, since 2009 it has been possible to obtain a bachelor's degree in theology that meets the requirements of the state.
In honor of Filaret, the Moscow Institute was named in 1995, and two years later, with the blessing of the patriarch, a chapel was built in the name of this saint.
Training areas
Faculties of St. Philaret Orthodox Christian Institute today are:
- theological;
- religious.
Higher professional education can be obtained in the field of theology, as well as additional education in theology, the basics of Orthodox culture.
At the Faculty of Theology, a master's program lasts two years, full-time bachelor's - four years, part-time and part-time - five years.
On Relfake, the duration of training is two years. This is a vocational retraining program.
Also, teachers can study at the university and improve their skills in subjects taught in schools, thematically related to the basics of religious education.
Education is paid.
Founder of the university
The rector of the St. Philaret Orthodox Christian Institute is Father Georgy Kochetkov. This person is ambiguous. their religiousGeorgy Kochetkov began his activities in the USSR, which is why he came under close attention of the KGB. Starting in the 70s to collect his library of spiritual literature, he did it secretly, keeping copies of books in different places. Such actions were necessary so that the KGB could not immediately confiscate all the books.
Today, Georgy Kochetkov is engaged in catechesis and helping people in their churching, translates the texts of services from Greek and Church Slavonic into Russian, thanks to which he met with criticism in the ranks of some Orthodox leaders. Alexander Dvorkin, Tikhon Shevkunov, Dmitry Smirnov and others are considered his opponents. Sometimes Father George in the Orthodox ranks is directly called a “renovator” and they talk about the “Baptist content” of the liturgy conducted by the priest. These phenomena are expressed in:
- singing "Our Father" together;
- rite of "breaking bread";
- non-canonical prayer of believers;
- charismatic exclamations at the liturgy during and after communion.
Some theological works of Father George were banned from distribution among believers because they do not comply with the dogmas of the Russian Orthodox Church.
For the past 15 years Father George has been serving at the Novodevichy Convent.
University activities
From the very beginning of its existence, the institute hosts various international conferences on theological issues. Now they are held twice a year. Autumn is dedicated to church and publicquestions, and spring - theological and practical.
Many projects are carried out within the framework of cooperation between the university and the Russian State Humanitarian University. For example, in 2011 it was a series of programs dedicated to academician Sergei Averintsev.
Publisher
It was opened at the institute in 1991. Since then, numerous philosophical and theological works by S. Bulgakov, A. Schmemann, N. Afanasiev, Archimandrite Kern and others have been published there. The works of foreign Orthodox figures - A. Yiannoulatos, I. Zizioulas, G. Khodra, I. Meyendorff and others were translated.
Among publications also:
- Materials of conferences held for the entire period.
- Theological almanac "The Light of Christ".
- Translations of liturgies into Russian with commentary as part of the Orthodox Liturgy series.
- Textbook "Christian Temple".
- Various catechisms.
- Magazine "Orthodox community".
Trusters and notables
In 1996, trustees began to appear at the St. Philaret Orthodox Christian Institute. Today they are Petros Vasiliadis (Greek theologian), Alexei Starobinsky (theoretical physicist), Adriano Roccucci (Roman doctor of history), Bishop Seraphim, Evgeny Vereshchagin (philologist) and many other prominent personalities.
Academician S. Averintsev, Archpriest Pavel Adelgeim, Hieromonk Mikhail Arrants and others taught at the institution at different times.
To the teaching staff of St. PhilaretovskyThe Orthodox Christian Institute now includes both experienced and young teachers - including SFI graduates.
Association
At the St. Philaret Orthodox Christian Institute, the Association of Alumni and Students (AViS) was organized. It consists of more than 50 people, some of them are engaged in teaching.
The Association publishes the almanac "The Light of Christ Enlightens All". Both students and teachers of the university can publish their works in it.
AVIS was formed in 2006, on December 2, the day of veneration of St. Filaret. The purpose of her activity is the organization of student life at the institute. At the end of the winter session, traditionally, a joint meal is held - agapa, during which students and teachers can communicate and share their impressions, experiences, thoughts.
How to find?
Address of St. Philaret Orthodox Christian Institute: Moscow, Pokrovka st., 29. Nearest metro stations: Kurskaya, Sretensky Boulevard, Chistye Prudy.
SFI is open daily on weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00.
