THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SEMINAR FROM SOCOLA – THE FIRST INSTITUTION OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN MOLDAVIA (1803-1806)

Abstract

The seminar from Socola, later named „Veniamin Costachi”, after the name of the Metropolitan of Moldavia, is one of the oldest schools both in Moldavia and in Romania, being the first seminar in the country. Its activity has unfolded - and is still ongoing - for more than two centuries. Even though the institution itself was functioning in more than one real estate and had some periods of disruption due to the various shortcomings or to the political situation, the seminar continued to remain in the living memory of history as one of Iaşi and later Romania's elite schools. Although the emergence of this school is relatively close to contemporaneity, historiography feels the need for some clarification on the date of foundation and on those who have contributed to the emergence and development of this school.

Keywords

• Socola seminar
• Veniamin Costachi
• Theological school