On the history of the Tobolsk theological school

In second half of the XVII century orthodox church, struggling against heretics, focused its attention on development of educational and cultural level of clergymen, and theological schools were initiated. The necessity of such institutions in Siberia was especially evident due to its remoteness from central Russia and numerous indigenous tribes. In 1703 a school for clergy was opened that was considered a beginning of the Tobolsk Theological seminary, the first clerical educational institution in Siberia. Children of clergy were taught at the school. The school was organized by a metropolitan Phylopheum, who introduced some advanced methods of teaching. For instance theatrical performances were organized so that to make Latin, Greek, Biblical stories more available for students, and also to make them more skillful at rhetoric. Later the school theater served as a foundation of the first professional theater in Siberia. In 1743 a metropolitan Anthony opened a theological seminary. Initially only primary education was available at the seminary. Later on a curriculum was elaborated including theological subjects, Latin, History, Geography, Mathematics, rhetoric and some other disciplines. The major task of the seminary was not only to educate, but to bring up high morals in future clergymen. Apart from churches, the graduates were sent to a qualified State service. A substantial library was formed at the seminary that contained a lot of rare volumes on history and culture of Russia. Over the Soviet regime the seminary was closed, and re-opened only in 1989. At that time there was no building for it. By the decree of the bishop Dimitri and under the support of the inhabitants of Tobolsk, a building of the former Consistory within the Tobolsk Kremlin was handed over to the seminary.