Beginning of the reform of Orthodox seminaries in 1867 during the reign of Alexander II (based on materials from Samara)

Abstract

Introduction. This article examines the social and cultural conditions under which religious education and the professional training of future priests developed in Russia in the third quarter of the 19th century. These conditions arose as a result of the reform of the theological schools, which began in 1867. The Samara Seminary was one of the first school to undergo reform, and this article focuses on this subject. Modernization theory serves as the theoretical basis for this article. Materials. The study draws on a broad range of sources, including archival documents and legislative acts, periodicals, statistical data, and published reports from state and church governing bodies. Results. The article examines the administrative, pedagogical, and economic aspects of the reform, which aimed to improve the educational and upbringing activities of the theological schools, improve the living conditions of students, and increase teachers’ salaries. The audit conducted as early as 1867 revealed that Samara, as a provincial and diocesan center, had a successfully functioning educational institution providing a good general secondary education and specialized theological training necessary for a pastoral ministry. The personal efforts of Samara Bishop Gerasim (Dobrodeev), who himself had extensive experience teaching and managing theological schools, were significant and fruitful. As a church leader, he combined a support for progressive social and cultural trends with traditional religious foundations. Conclusion. The clear connection between the reform of theological schools and other reforms of Alexander II’s era was established and demonstrated. The experience of implementing this reform in Samara was sought and incorporated in all Russia.