The Volyn Theological Seminary Led by the Bishop Palladiy (Kaminsky) during 1952-1956

Abstract

The aim of the study is to analyze religious activity and archpastoral service of the bishop of Volyn and Rivne Palladiy, his contribution to the diocese structure regulation and the Volyn Theological Seminary building based on the archive sources and scientific publications. The study methodology includes the principle of historicism, systemic and scientific approach. Comparative historical method, chronological and structural-functional methods were used in the study. The novelty of the study is in the description of the bishop Palladiy’s activity, his role in material basis enhancement and significant improvement of educational work in the Volyn Theological Seminary despite all obstacles from the Soviet authorities based on the materials and archive documents. Heading the diocese of Volyn and Rivne for four years, the bishop Palladiy managed to improve and structure religious life, supported the diocese by the clergy and enhanced their educational level. More than 70 church buildings were renovated in the region by 1954. Due to the central financing from the Moscow Patriarchy at the beginning of 1950-s, the administration of the Volyn Theological Seminary headed by the bishop Palladiy could dramatically improve the material basis of the educational institution. Particularly, some further constructions were made to the hired buildings that enabled to create the appropriate conditions for students’ learning and living as well as to provide scholarship, food, uniform and textbooks for all seminarians. Consequently, the applicants’ quantity tripled. The seminary achieved the highest development under the rule of the bishop Palladiy in the post-war period.