On November 12, 2024, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus Metropolitan Veniamin of Minsk and Zaslavl celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Holy Spirit Cathedral of Minsk on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Institute of Theology named after Saints Methodius and Cyril at the Belarusian State University.
His Eminence was accompanied by the Chairman of the Synodal Commission for Coordination of Theological Educational Institutions Metropolitan Veniamin of Minsk and Zaslavl.
His Eminence was served by: Chairman of the Synodal Commission for the Coordination of the Activities of Spiritual Educational Institutions of the Belarusian Orthodox Church Bishop Avksenty of Nesvizh, Rector of Minsk Theological Academy Archimandrite Afanasiy (Sokolov), Archimandrite Varnava (Damjanovich), rector of the Archangel Michael Cathedral in the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Archpriest Konstantin Izofatov, Archpriest Nikolai Nikolai of Bosnia and Herzegovina, acting rector of the parish of the Church of St. Andrew the Apostle in Minsk, Archpriest Konstantin Izofatov, rector of the Church of St. Andrew the First-Called. Archpriest Nikolai Bolokhovsky, Director of the Minsk Theological School Archpriest John Zadorozhin, Chairman of the Synodal Department for Church Charity and Social Service of the Belarusian Orthodox Church Priest Roman Artemov, Chairman of the Award Commission of the Belarusian Exarchate, chairman of the parish council of St. Dukhov Cathedral in Minsk, Priest Dionisiy Kovalev, first vice-rector of the Institute of Theology of the Belarusian State University, Archpriest Sergiy Movsesyan, chairman of the Christian Educational Center named after Saints Methodius and Cyrill, Priest Svyatoslav Rogalsky, clergy of the cathedral, teachers and graduates of the Institute of Theology in the clergy.
The hymns were sung by the Archdiocesan Choir of St. Dukhov Cathedral under the direction of Vitaly Sobolevsky. The service was attended by representatives of the administration of the Belarusian State University, teachers, students and alumni of the institution. Subdued petitions of thanksgiving were offered. The sermon before the communion was delivered by Priest Roman Artemov.
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After the intercessory prayer, a requiem liturgy was celebrated for the first rector of the Institute of Theology, Metropolitan Philaret (Vakhromeev), the first Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, and for all the deceased teachers, staff and graduates of the institution.Then the gathered laid flowers at the monument to Metropolitan Filaret, located on the cathedral square in front of the Holy Spirit Cathedral.
Metropolitan Veniamin addressed all the The Archpastor congratulated the audience on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the founding of the BSU Institute of Theology. The Archpastor emphasized the special purpose of the educational institution, which is called to enlighten people: &lquo;Future theologians and theologians should help modern people to discover the solid foundation of our faith, to acquire a support in life, to learn how to do the right and godly thing, and through this to have peace in the soul and walk the path of salvation. Today's Divine Liturgy — is the beginning of our events dedicated to the significant date».
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The celebration will continue at the Institute of Theology's Council Celebration. Teachers and staff of the faculty will be honored with awards of the Belarusian State University for conscientious work, many years of scientific and pedagogical activity and great contribution to the training of highly qualified specialists.
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The events dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Institute of Theology will continue on November 13 with the scientific-practical seminar «Recognition of theology as a scientific specialty in the Republic of Belarus: problems and prospects». At the seminar experts from Belarus and Russia will present their research on the topics of theology's consolidation in the scientific field, the development of this direction in educational activity, share the already existing experience
The XIII International Student Scientific Conference «Christian values in the culture of modern youth» will be held from November 29 to December 1. At the scientific event will raise questions about the influence of Christian worldview on the young generation and their importance in the formation of personal qualities of man.
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The Institute of Theology named after Saints Methodius and Cyril of the Belarusian State University was established on the initiative of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus and the Belarusian Orthodox Church.
The Faculty (originally the Department of Theology) existed from 1992 to 2004, its dean was Metropolitan Filaret (Vakhromeev), the first Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, who came up with the idea of creating a theological educational and scientific project for the Belarusian society and the whole Eastern European space. The creation of the Institute of Theology was also largely the initiative of Metropolitan Filaret (Vakhromeev).
In 1997 the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus for the first time in the history of Eastern Europe recognized the specialty 1-21 01 01 «Theology». In 2004 the Institute of Theology became a part of the structure of the Belarusian Institute of Theology. State University. Official BOC website/Patriarchy.ru
