Structure of the Academy

The head of the Moscow Theological Academy is the Rector, Bishop Kirill of Sergiev Posad and Dmitrov.

The Rector of the Moscow Theological Academy is appointed by a decree of His Holiness the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' based on a resolution of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The Rector manages the Moscow Theological Academy and Seminary in accordance with the Academy’s Charter, with the assistance of deputies (vice-rectors) who are approved for their positions by His Holiness the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus'.

The Rector establishes the internal regulations and work schedule, the powers of structural units, and the job responsibilities of the Academy’s employees. Within his competence, the Rector issues orders, directives, and instructions that are mandatory for all employees of the Moscow Theological Academy, including those in the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs, as well as the Church Singing and Icon Painting departments.

The Academic Council of the Academy is a collegial body responsible for the overall management of the Academy’s educational and research activities. It determines the priorities and principles of the Academy’s development, approves the main regulatory framework for its operations, and enhances the effectiveness of the educational and upbringing processes.

The Academic Council includes the Rector of the Academy, who serves as its chairman, the vice-rectors, the chairman of the Scientific-Methodological Council, the head of the Distance Learning Department, the deans of the Church Singing Faculty and the Icon Painting Faculty, the library director, heads and methodologists of the departments, and full-time professors and associate professors of the Academy.

The vice-rectors, the Academic Council secretary, the head of the Distance Learning Department, the deans of the Church Singing Faculty and Icon Painting Faculty, and the rector’s assistants constitute the administration of the Moscow Theological Academy.

The Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs organizes the educational process and academic-methodological work at the Moscow Theological Academy. Since 2020, Priest Pavel Lizgunov has served as the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs: Priest Pavel Lizgunov.

The Vice-Rector for Theological Research organizes the Academy’s research activities. Since 2012, Protopriest Alexander Zadornov has held this position: Protopriest Alexander Zadornov.

The Vice-Rector for Upbringing oversees the general management of upbringing activities at the Moscow Theological Academy. Since 2024, Hegumen Daniil (Vasilenko) has held this position. Assisting the Vice-Rector for Upbringing are the Senior Assistant to the Vice-Rector for Upbringing—since 2025, S.V. Badukin has served in this role—and duty assistants who directly handle upbringing and organizational work with students. Together with course mentors, the Vice-Rector for Upbringing and his assistants form the Pedagogical Council, which reports to the Administrative Council.

The Secretary of the Academic Council prepares Academic Council meetings, drafts meeting minutes, and ensures the implementation of its decisions. In 2010, Hegumen Adrian (Pashin) was appointed Secretary of the Academic Council: Hegumen Adrian (Pashin).

The Head of the Doctoral Program oversees the activities of the doctoral program, supervises the process of scientific guidance for dissertation research, and ensures that doctoral students fulfill their individual academic-research plans. In 2022, Hegumen Dionisy (Shlenov) was appointed Head of the Doctoral Program.

The Dean of the Church Singing Faculty oversees the operations of the Church Singing Faculty of the Moscow Theological Academy. Since September 29, 2016, Hegumen Lazar (Gnativ) has served as the Dean of the Church Singing Faculty. Hegumen Lazar (Gnativ).

The Dean of the Icon Painting Faculty oversees the operations of the Icon Painting Faculty of the Moscow Theological Academy. Since 1996, Archimandrite Luka (Golovkov) has held this position. Archimandrite Luka (Golovkov).

The Head of the Distance Learning Department manages the Distance Learning Department of the Moscow Theological Academy, including its branches. Since 1997, Protopriest Sergiy Maratkanov has served as the Head of the Distance Learning Department, with Protopriest Sergiy Zabelich as his deputy. Protopriest Sergiy Zabelich

The Assistant to the Rector for Representative Affairs ensures the organization of representative events at the Moscow Theological Academy. Since 2018, Priest Alexander Kuznetsov has served as the Assistant to the Rector for Representative Affairs. Priest Alexander Kuznetsov.

The Head of the Public Relations Department and Press Secretary of the MThA represents the Rector and the Academy’s administration in contacts with the media and oversees the activities of the MThA press service. Since February 2021, Hieromonk Mikhey (Kopytov) has held this position.

The Rector also appoints the:

Spiritual Father of the Moscow Theological Academy – Archimandrite Hilarion (Forkavets);
Custodian of the Academic Church of the Intercession – Hieromonk Kassian (Plosky);
Dean of the Academic Church of the Intercession – Hieromonk Varnava (Losev);
Custodian of the Seminary Church of St. John of the Ladder – Archimandrite Mikhail (Borey).