The main trends in the formation and development of theological education in independent Ukraine (on the example of the theological education institutions of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church in 1991-2010)

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to analyze and periodize the historical process of formation and development of the UGCC theological education system in independent Ukraine (1991-2010), to clarify its structure, achievements and prospects for integrating theological education into the educational space of the Ukrainian state. Research methodology is based on the scientific principles of objectivity and historicism, special scientific methods of critical analysis of sources, problem-chronological and system-structural. Scientific novelty periodization and development of the system of theological education of the UGCC in independent Ukraine (1991–2010) are carried out. Conclusions: the revival and development of theological education of the UGCC during the independence of Ukraine had several features: first, the "spontaneous" resumption of theological seminaries at first gradually acquired clear organizational features, and their formation provided constant training for the next generation of clergy; secondly, for the first time in the history of theological education of the UGCC, a more or less clear concept of its development was created, which allowed not only to delineate theological education at certain organizational levels, but also to ensure the organizational development of theological schools. We can say that on the 20th anniversary of the UGCC coming out of the underground, it created a clearly structured system of theological education, in which three groups can be divided: the first is a network of scientific and educational institutions (UCU in Lviv with a branch in Rome and the Institute of Oriental Christian Studies). in Ottawa), the main task of which is the formation of theological science, its integration into the scientific and educational space of Ukraine; the second is a network of seminaries designed to provide the Church with a new generation of priests; the third is a network of "general Christian education" institutions, including catechetical institutes and deacon-regent schools (with some caveats, as they provide a certain level of theological knowledge and "professional" qualifications), as well as Sunday parish and general Greek Catholic schools. Thus, such a structured system of theological education of the UGCC not only allows for "professional" training of "personnel" for the UGCC, but also contributes to the "new evangelization" of modern society.