On November 20, 2024 in Nizhny Novgorod State Pedagogical University (NSPU) named after Kuzma Minin the international scientific and theological conference «Preservation of historical memory: to the 80th anniversary of the repose of Holy Patriarch Sergius (Stragorodsky)» took place. The event was held in the historic building of the Nizhny Novgorod Theological Seminary, where the future Patriarch Sergius studied.
The plenary session of the conference was attended by Metropolitan Georgy of Nizhny Novgorod and Arzamas, Vicar of the Nizhegorod Diocese, Head of the Department of the Nizhny Novgorod Diocese for Cooperation with Higher Education Bishop Philaret of Dalnekonstantinovsky, Archpriest Vasily Spirin, first vice-rector of the Nizhny Novgorod Theological Seminary, Victor Sdobnyakov, rector of the Mininsky University, Lev Shaposhnikov, president of the Mininsky University, Archpriest Alexander Zadornov, vice-rector for scientific and theological work of the Moscow Theological Academy, Archpriest Alexander Zadornov, director of School No. 187 and the city resource center for spiritual and moral education Valery Malinin. The event was attended by teachers and students of the Nizhny Novgorod Theological Academy. seminary.
Before the work began, Victor Sdobnyakov addressed the audience: «Today on the basis of Minin University we are holding a unique event — a scientific and theological conference dedicated to our fellow countryman — Patriarch Sergius (Stragorodsky). He studied in this building, and at the entrance we see a memorial plaque, which is a tribute to his memory. And today, perhaps more than ever, we realize how important it is to preserve the historical memory of our past, and Patriarch Sergius was one of the significant figures of church-state relations in the 20th century, and in many ways this was determined by the difficult situation in which he became Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church. He lived a complex, filled with dramatic events, but interesting life, which is connected with the events of Russian history.
Metropolitan George greeted the participants of the conference: «20 years ago we could not imagine that in the walls of a higher secular school it would be possible to discuss such topics as the Russian Patriarchate. Today our meeting is dedicated to His Holiness Patriarch Sergius (Stragorodsky), whose eightieth anniversary of his election was celebrated last year, and in May 2024, the 80th anniversary of his blessed death. And this prompts us to comprehend the historical period when he became the head of the Russian Orthodox Church. In the scientific and theological community, he is spoken of as an extraordinary and controversial person. And although his activities caused disagreement among some of the clergy, but his decisions were dictated by the desire to preserve the Church in those difficult times. And it is with his name is associated the revival of Patriarchate. It is important that the personality of Patriarch Sergius be evaluated in the spirit of the Gospel, the Holy Fathers and the holy patriotic heritage».
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Afterward, Archpriest Vasily Spirin read a welcoming word from the chairman of the Study Committee of the Russian Orthodox Church Protopriest Maxim Kozlov.
In his greeting, Lev Shaposhnikov gave a brief biographical excursus on establishing Patriarch Sergius' identity as a theologian and church figure during his years of study. «For all his life he retained an interest in scientific activity, in the study of issues related to the impact of the life of the Church on society» — noted the president of Mininn University.
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At the end, Archpriest Alexander Zadornov greeted the participants and organizers of the scientific forum on behalf of the Moscow Theological Academy: «The very current existence of the Moscow Theological Academy is connected with the name of His Holiness the Patriarch Sergius. It was he who 80 years ago made a great effort to ensure that this spiritual school continued to exist after many years of interruption. Today's conference is a confirmation of interest in the legacy that His Holiness Patriarch Sergius left us, and another opportunity to find answers to the questions that worried Christians during the life of the Primate, and worry many believers today.
The plenary session included the following speeches:
- Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Russian History of the XIX century — the beginning of the XX century of the Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov Fedor Gaida «Church and changes in the state ideology during the Great Patriotic War»;
- Doctor of Historical Sciences, leading researcher of the Institute of General History of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexei Beglov «Patriarch Sergius and the formation of a new course in state-church relations in 1941-1943: the role of personality against the background of the world crisis»;
- Doctor of Philosophy, Professor of the Department of Philosophy and Theology, Kuzma Minin Nizhny Novgorod State Pedagogical University Oleg Parilov «The doctrine of salvation of Patriarch Sergius (Stragorodsky).
At the end of the event, Metropolitan George thanked the organizers of the event conference and speakers.
In the afternoon, representatives of the faculty and clergy take part in the round table «Russian Patriarchate yesterday and today: to the 15th anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia» and the section «Theology. Pedagogy», which are held at Nizhny Novgorod Theological Seminary.
The International Scientific Theological Conference is organized with the participation of the Teaching Committee of the Russian Orthodox Church, Nizhny Novgorod Theological Seminary, Kuzma Minin Nizhny Novgorod State Pedagogical University, Russian Orthodox University of St. John the Theologian.
The International Scientific Theological Conference is organized with the participation of the Teaching Committee of the Russian Orthodox Church, Nizhny Novgorod Theological Seminary, Russian Orthodox University of St. John the Theologian.
Nizhegorodsky Metropolis/Patriarchy.ru
