Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Moscow Theological Academy (MThA)?

The Moscow Theological Academy is the oldest and leading higher educational institution of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Academy trains clergy, theologians, educators, and researchers in the field of Orthodox theology.

2. Where is the MThA located?

The Academy is located in Sergiev Posad, Moscow Region, on the territory of the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, one of Russia’s main spiritual centers.

3. What educational programs does the MThA offer?

The MThA offers educational programs aimed at training ministers and religious personnel for religious organizations. These include:

Bachelor’s degree in Theology.
Master’s degree in Theology. (See more: https://mpda.ru/science/departments/)
Doctoral program in Theology. (See more: https://mpda.ru/education/bogoslovsko-pastyrskij-fakultet/postgraduate/)
Additional courses and professional development programs for laypeople and clergy.

Admission

4. How can I apply to the MThA?

To apply, you need to:

Submit an application and a set of documents.
Successfully pass entrance exams (See more: https://mpda.ru/for-applicant/raspisanie-vstupitelnyh-jekzamenov/).
Minimum Unified State Exam (EGE) scores:
1. History – 37 points
2. Russian Language – 40 points
Applicants from Moscow and the Moscow Region must also pass the diocesan council.
See more: https://mpda.ru/for-applicant/step-by-step-application/abiturientu-bogoslovsko-pastyrskogo-fakulteta/bakalavriat/

5. What documents are required for admission?

Passport
Educational certificate (school diploma or degree)
Recommendation from a priest (certified by the ruling bishop)
Photographs
Autobiography
Other documents (See more: https://mpda.ru/for-applicant/step-by-step-application/abiturientu-bogoslovsko-pastyrskogo-fakulteta/bakalavriat/)

6. Who can apply to the MThA?

Men and women of the Orthodox faith with at least a secondary education certificate.

For the Theological-Pastoral Faculty (Bachelor’s program): Orthodox men with a confessor’s recommendation, aged up to 35 for full-time study (See more: https://mpda.ru/for-applicant/step-by-step-application/abiturientu-bogoslovsko-pastyrskogo-fakulteta/bakalavriat/).

Icon Painting Faculty and Church Singing Faculty: Men and women.

For Master’s and Doctoral programs in “History and Theory of Church Art”: Men and women with a Bachelor’s degree (Profile website: https://ici-mpda.pravorg.ru)

7. Are there entrance exams for international applicants?

Yes, international applicants take the same exams.

They must provide either a recommendation from the Department for External Church Relations (for Local Orthodox Churches and other churches) or a recommendation from the ruling bishop (for members of the Russian Orthodox Church).

Education

8. What subjects are studied at the MThA?

Bachelor’s students study:

Holy Scripture of the Old and New Testament
Dogmatic Theology
Patrology
Liturgics
Church History
Philosophy
Apologetics
Ancient languages
Church Slavonic, foreign languages
Other disciplines

Master’s and Doctoral students study specialized subjects.

9. Is there an opportunity for laypeople to study?

Yes, the MThA offers programs for laypeople, including distance learning and professional development courses.

10. Is dormitory accommodation provided?

Yes, dormitory accommodation is provided on the Academy (Lavra) premises for non-local and international full-time students.

11. Does the Academy provide meals for students living in the dormitory?

Yes, students receive free four meals a day.

12. Are scientific conferences and events held?

Yes, the MThA regularly organizes international conferences, seminars, and roundtables on current issues in theology and church life.

Additional Opportunities

13. Is there a library at the MThA?

Yes, the Academy has one of the largest theological libraries in Russia, accessible to students and researchers.

14. Does the Academy provide medical care for students?

Yes, there is a “Federal Clinical Center…” at the Lavra, with which the Moscow Theological Academy has an agreement for medical services. The hospital building includes a therapist’s office, isolation ward, treatment room, massage room, physiotherapy room, and more.

Contacts

15. Where can I learn more about the MThA?

Visit the official website of the Academy: https://mpda.ru/

16. How can I get in touch?

MThA Chancellery:

Phone: +7 (496) 541-90-42
Email: mpda@yandex.ru
Address: 141312, Moscow Region, Sergiev Posad, Lavra Territory, Academy

See more: https://mpda.ru/contacts/