MThA Marks 80th Victory Anniversary with Church History Forum
On October 2, 2025, the Department of Church History, in collaboration with the Student Society for the Study of Church History in the Soviet Union, held a round table titled "Reflection of the Great Patriotic War in the Destinies of Church People". The event, which commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, brought together faculty and graduate students of the Moscow Theological Academy (MThA) in a hybrid format.
The round table was opened by A.K. Svetozarsky, Head of the Department of Church History at MThA, with his report, "The Great Patriotic War: The Nature of the War, Nazi Plans for the USSR and Its Inhabiting Peoples". He detailed the emergence of the theory of Aryan racial superiority and its application at the state level, drawing attention to historical documents outlining the Nazi high command's strategic goals.
Associate Professor A.G. Zoitakis, candidate of historical sciences and faculty member at both MSU and MThA, presented "Hierarchs of the Greek Church and Resistance Movements." He highlighted Greek resistance figures such as Manolis Glezos and various church hierarchs known for their sermons and actions against the occupiers. The report demonstrated that the struggle against fascism was a unified national effort, with the Church often serving as the primary force consolidating different social strata.
Professor G.E. Kolyvanov delivered a report titled "The Orthodox Church in the Capital of the Middle Urals, Sverdlovsk". He focused on the history of the Church in the rear, specifically in Sverdlovsk, which became a vital industrial and cultural hub during the war. He explored the unique features of church life under evacuation, the difficulties of organizing parishes during wartime, and how faith served as a fundamental pillar for thousands of people.
Archpriest Sergiy Zabelich, senior lecturer at the MThA Department of Church History, shared a personal history in his report, "Zabelich Grigory Ivanovich: The Story of One Soldier of the Great Patriotic War". Centered on his grandfather, a soldier who was captured and held in a concentration camp in Bavaria, the presentation focused on the heroic resilience of frontline soldiers and the agony of captivity. The personal nature of the report sparked significant interest and numerous questions from students.
I.S. Ryazanov, a lecturer at the MThA Department of Church History, presented "Teachers of the Moscow Theological Academy: Participants of the Great Patriotic War". He brought to light the names and deeds of veteran teachers who served as spiritual and intellectual mentors at the Academy. He described how these future theologians and historians passed through the "crucible of war", the traditions they established, and their lasting influence on the theological school. His report was followed by additional remarks from Professor Svetozarsky and a student Q&A.
The round table concluded with a report by Hierodeacon Pimen (Shein), an MThA postgraduate student, titled "Inhabitants of the Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra: Participants of the Great Patriotic War". He discussed the monks who served in the military, their social and age demographics, and their subsequent return to monastic life. Notable figures mentioned included Patriarch Pimen (Izvekov), Archimandrites Naum (Baiborodin) and Augustin (Sudoplatov), and Monk Anatoly (Rozhdestvensky).
The event reaffirmed the profound significance of the Victory for the nation’s history, illustrating that during the most difficult trials, faith and the Church remained integral to the national spirit. The participants emphasized that thousands of stories of sacrifice, courage, and faith must continue to be studied and reflected upon, particularly in the modern context as the Fatherland faces new external threats.
MThA Press Office
