Cultural Life of the Moscow Academy During the Rectorate of Archbishop Philaret (Vakhromeyev) (1966–1973)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the history of Moscow Theological Schools during the rectorate of Archbishop Philaret (Vakhromeyev) (1966–1973). On the basis of the Journals of the Moscow Theological Academy and Seminary Council, the cultural and educational activities of the Theological School in the post-war period of its existence are considered. Various activities, undertaken to broaden students’ horizons and their cultural enlightenment, are described. As a result, it is clear that the period — a difficult time in Soviet oversight — was marked by an unusually wide and varied spectrum of cultural activities. The teaching staff gave lectures and reports to the students during their extra-curricular time, together with reversal films; exhibitions were put on; the students went on long excursions to various ancient Russian towns; students visited museums, theatres, and concerts; and every week, on Sundays, except during fasting periods, art and documentary films and television programs were shown within the walls of the School; The personality of the young and talented rector, Bishop Philaret (Vakhromeyev), contributed greatly to this.