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 educational institution is only 18 years old, but the traditions of enlightenment and training of clergy go back more than six centuries.
Enlightenment from Dmitry Donskoy
According to the surviving chronicle evidence, 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 found, a monastery was built. The next generations of Russian rulers tirelessly cared for the brethren and supported the monastery with numerous gifts.
The Monk Pimen Ugreshsky took up the cause of enlightenment and opened a school for children from the surrounding villages. Knowledge was given to all who wished to study, first of all, peasant children were welcomed. The practice of teaching lasted until the revolution and the closure of the monastery.
Renaissance at the turn of the century
Spiritual life in Russia began to actively revive 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 position of the abbot 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 controlled by Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia.
To date, more than 130 graduates have completed a full course of study at the Nikolo-Ugresh Seminary, some of them received ordination within the walls of the educational institution. Having received an education, the priests carry the word of God in many dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church, the geography of ministry covers all of Russia from Western Ukraine to Vorkuta. Many students embarked on 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 taught by teachers with higher secular and spiritual education. Students live on the territory of 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 mastering practical skills.
Practice is based on four directions - catechism, liturgical,missionary and social. As part of missionary activities, students make trips to the regions of the Far North, where they perform church services and have 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 education system in an educational institution has two levels - undergraduate and graduate. Since 2010, hegumen John (Rubin) has been the Vice-Rector of the Nikolo-Ugresh Seminary. Bachelor's studies last 4 years, a master's degree is obtained at the end of a bachelor's degree and two master's courses.
Versatile personality development
In the Nikolo-Ugresh Orthodox Seminary they pay attention not only to knowledge, spiritual practices, but they believe that he alth is an integral part of the life of a clergyman. The school has a gym for students, access to the pool is available. The seminary football team has repeatedly taken part 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 take part in research projects, church-wide and diocesan events. For several years, the theological and educational courses "The Secret World of Orthodoxy" have been operating at the educational institution, where the laity join the faith, comprehend the basics of church life for three years.
The youth movement has its owncell - the Prologue Club, which united Orthodox youth and seminarians. Also, many students of the seminary participate in other public organizations - they visit the center of social service "Mercy", the patriotic club "Druzhina of St. Dmitry Donskoy" and many others.
Bachelor's degree
The Nikolo-Ugresh Seminary accepts young people under the age of 35 with a complete secondary education. During the entrance exams, applicants live on the territory of the monastery, perform obediences and take part in divine services. Candidates for undergraduate studies take exams in the following disciplines:
- Old and New Testament.
- Fundamentals of Orthodoxy.
- Church history.
- Fundamentals of Worship.
- Knowledge of basic prayers.
- Russian language (writing a summary).
- Church singing.
List of required documents:
- A petition addressed to the rector.
- Document of Education.
- Identification document (copy).
- Recommendations from a parish priest or bishop with a seal.
- Filled out application.
- Baptismal certificate (copy).
- Information about the composition of the family.
- Photo color on matte paper: 3 x 4 cm (2 copies), 6 x 8 cm (2 copies).
- He alth insurance policy.
- Medical certificate (form 086-U).
- Certificates from a narcologist, a psychiatrist, as well as from a dermatology and tuberculosis dispensary.
- Military ID (registration certificate).
- Special documents for acting priests.
In 2018, 22 students were admitted to the seminary for the first year of the bachelor's degree, of which 12 people entered the propaedeutic course.
Masters
The Master's Department of the Nikolo-Ugresh Seminary trains specialists in the history of the Russian Orthodox Church and Orthodox theology. Graduates receive the right to work as teachers, preachers, missionaries, catechists, and also engage in administrative activities. In 2018, following the results of entrance examinations for the master's course, 12 students were admitted.
For admission, you must pass exams:
- History of the Russian Orthodox Church.
- Foreign language (English).
- Composition.
Applicants undergo a mandatory interview with the vice-rector of the seminary. Every year, the Nikolo-Ugresh Theological Seminary invites everyone to the preparatory department.
The training program of the seminary is adapted to the present, covers not only special knowledge, but also broadens the horizons of students, allows them to gain communication skills and work in modern conditions.
