On the necessity of organizing a higher theological school on the territory of the armed forces of the South of Russia: minutes of the meeting of Provisional Supreme Church Authority (PSCA) in the South-East of Russia. Introductory article and comments by Yu.A.Biryukova

Abstract

During the Civil War, Orthodox education, including higher theological education, in the South of Russia underwent serious trials: there were not enough funds, premises, and teaching staff. Premises were requisitioned, and regional overnments were not always able to respond to the needs of the Church. Nevertheless, the Orthodox Church, represented by the South-Eastern Council of 1919 and the Provisional Higher Church Administration, did not cease to solve the problems of education, expressing concern not only for the material support of the theological school, but also for improving the content of education and pedagogical methods. Until the very final defeat of the White movement, attempts to open new educational institutions were not abandoned. This is evidenced by a published document — the minutes of the meeting of the Provisional Higher Church Administration in the South-East of Russia dated August 11, 1920, at which the opening of a higher theological school in Crimea was considered. Unfortunately, due to time circumstances, this project was not implemented.

Keywords

• history of the church
• orthodox russian church
• temporary higher church administration in the south of russia
• spiritual education
• theological science
• civil war in russia