Vitebsk Theological Seminary is a university where you can get training and become a clergyman. The training time is 5 years in the full-time department and 6 years in the correspondence department. The Theological Seminary belongs to the Orthodox Church. We offer advice for applicants and historical information about this institution.
For those wishing to apply
Vitebsk Theological Seminary invites applicants for admission. The last date for submission of documents is August 24.
The rules for admission to the correspondence department of the Vitebsk Theological Seminary require the passing of admission tests. Therefore, you must first study:
- Orthodox doctrine (basic provisions).
- The sacred history described in the Old and New Testaments.
- Prepare to write an essay on church history.
- Know the history of the Church.
- Learn the texts of Orthodox prayers and be able to read them using Church Slavonic.
An additional interview is conducted with each applicant.
Historical information
Vitebsk Theological Seminary has a long history. Emperor Alexander I ordered to create it in 1806. It was assumed that the 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 Heraclius. Sophia Cathedral was supposed to be its location. But there was a military hospital here. Therefore, the metropolitan chose the Strun hierarchal estate 6 kilometers from Polotsk for the seminary.
Early in early 1807, seminarians began attending classes. The Russian language was used for teaching disciplines. Aurelius Sumyatytsky was chosen as the first rector of the Vitebsk Theological Seminary. By the autumn of 1807, the visit of Emperor Alexander I happened. Until 1833, the building of the seminary was dilapidated and unsuitable for study. But later it was replaced by a two-story building.
Teaching
In the 19th century, the number of teachers in the seminary was modest - no more than three people. Later it increased to 13 teachers. Teaching Russian civil history and literature was an honor for graduates who successfully graduated from the Orthodox Theological Academy. In 1840, the institution became known as the Polotsk Theological Seminary.
Since 1867, the teaching staff has been replenished with the positions of rector and inspector, professors and members of the clergy. Moreover, the mission to educate the moral standards of the youths was assigned to the inspector, who patiently exhorted, persuaded andshamed the seminarians. The difference of this educational institution was the impeccable behavior of the students. Behavioral violations have not occurred for years.
Already at this time, the seminary was staffed with a Sunday school. Seminarians themselves taught here. It was a good opportunity to practice teaching the younger generation. Students who also attended the district school and gymnasium came to classes with the best seminarians.
During the revolution, riots broke out. During this period, the seminarians were dissatisfied with the internal routine. They were not satisfied with the accepted barracks regime, hated administrators, food and sanitary conditions.
The beginning of the 20th century was a period of renaissance. Spiritual life gradually returned to normal. But there was a catastrophic shortage of personnel. Courses were needed to train future choir directors-psalm readers.
Modernity
The Seminary today provides training for students in the following speci alties:
- priests;
- theologians;
- teachers;
- church workers.
The correspondence department of the Vitebsk Theological Seminary has been opened. Regular meetings, seminars, hearings are held. Alumni of this educational institution who received the dignity of a bishop are known.
Summarize
Vitebsk Orthodox Theological Seminary has existed since the beginning of the 19th century. This educational institution has gone through times of prosperity and periods of decline. Today the seminary is open day andextramural. After graduation, seminarians have the prospect of reaching heights in the service of the Orthodox faith.
To enter the seminary, applicants must carefully prepare, pass the required exams and pass an interview. These rules apply to everyone who wants to devote their lives to the service of the Lord. The institution is located in Vitebsk on Krylova street, house 10.
