Academy Takes First Place In The Ranking Of Theological Educational Institutions

The ranking of theological academies and seminaries of the Russian Orthodox Church, presented and approved on June 16, 2026, at a meeting of the Supreme Church Council, is based on the results of on-site inspection visits to 35 educational institutions within the Russian Federation (conducted from the beginning of 2025 to May 2026), data from annual statistical reports for 2025, results of unified diagnostic work, certification outcomes, and the completeness of the educational sections of their websites. Many of the requirements included in the ranking correspond to Rosobrnadzor standards and help theological schools be a full-fledged part of the higher education system of the Russian Federation.

Within the framework of the XXXIII International Christmas Educational Readings on January 27, 2025, a meeting was held between the Chairman of the Educational Committee and representatives of the leadership and administration of theological educational institutions, during which the necessary explanations were given regarding the updated methodology for forming the ranking. 

Currently, the greatest attention in evaluating the activities of theological academies and seminaries is concentrated on the educational process and its results.

In 2026, the number of educational institutions in the first, highest rating group is 11. The Moscow and Saint Petersburg Theological Academies share the first two places in the ranking with an identical total score of 84.47. 

Source: Study Committee