Религиозная организация - духовная образовательная организация высшего образования
Религиозная организация - духовная образовательная организация высшего образования "Саратовская православная духовная семинария Саратовской Епархии Русской Православной Церкви"
на русском (in Russian)
Обложка журнала
PDF icon

Journal "Orthodox theologian". No. 1(1)-2025

Download PDF

Section I. Theoretical Theology

Postsecular Nonconfessional Religiosity as a New Form of Existence of Religion

Priest N. Gorbik

For citation:
Gorbik N.., priest. Postsekulyarnaya vnekonfessional’naya religioznost’ kak novaya forma sushchestvovaniya religii [Postsecular non-confessional religiosity as a new form of religion] // Pravoslavnyy teolog [Orthodox Theologian]. 2025. No. 1 (1). pp. 9–28.

Abstract

The article attempts to analyze nonconfessional religiosity as a new form of existence of religion. It is shown that the phenomenon under consideration is a characteristic phenomenon of a postsecular society. With regard to noninstitutional religious movements, the philosophical approaches of such iconic figures as J. Habermas, A. Toynbee, T. Luckmann, V. Krutous, M. Epstein, O. Spengler and some others were considered. Based on the content of the work, the author concludes that nonconfessional religiosity, as a new form of religion, manifests itself in any pseudoreligious movement that is defined through the concept of consumer appeal, andnotbyinternalspeculativecontent.Thus,thenewreligiosityofthenoninstitutional kind can be reflected as apophatic-semantic, in other words, not needing a deep understanding of its personality, but aesthetically intentional, i.e. exclusively focused on the aesthetics of the manifestation of external beauty.

Keywords:

religion postsecularity nonconfessional religiosity personality society nonreligious spirituality Church dogma

REFERENCES

Show list ▼

Author Information

Priest Nikita Gorbik

Position: Master’s student, Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary

Address: 92 Michurina St., Saratov, 410028, Russian Federation

Email: gorbik_nikita@mail.ru

Read Article (in Russian)


Charity as an Integral Part of the Christian Tradition

Archpriest A. Ablaev

For citation:
Ablaev A., archpriest. Miloserdie kak neot»emlemaya chast’ hristianskoj tradicii [Mercy as an integral part of the Christian tradition] // Pravoslavnyy teolog [Orthodox Theologian]. 2025. No. 1 (1). pp. 29–36.

Abstract

The article examines the history of mercy in Russian culture, starting with thefirstChristiancommunities.Theauthorshowshowthecommandmentsoflovefor God and neighbor became the basis for the further development of such qualities as compassion and charity. The article also analyzes examples of mercy in the historical past, starting from the reign of Prince Vladimir, who made a significant contribution to the formation and development of the Orthodox tradition.

Keywords:

volunteerism social service benevolence

REFERENCES

Show list ▼

Author Information

Archpriest Alexander Ablaev

Position: Master’s student, Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary

Address: 92 Michurina St., Saratov, 410028, Russian Federation

Email: havaa78@mail.ru

Read Article (in Russian)


The Virtue of Christian Humility in Relations with Neighbors

V. Dmiriev

For citation:
Dmitriev V. Dobrodetel’ hristianskogo smireniya v otnosheniyah s blizhnimi [The virtue of Christian humility in relations with neighbors] // Pravoslavnyy teolog [Orthodox Theologian]. 2025. No. 1 (1). pp. 37–46.

Abstract

This article examines the virtue of Christian humility in the context of relationships with neighbors, emphasizing its importance for an Orthodox Christian. Humility, as a basis for interaction, allows deepening of ties in the community and promotes spiritual growth. Through acts of listening, serving, forgiving, and encouraging, believers reflect divine love, creating an atmosphere of mutual help and support. The article also analyzes the social aspects of humility, including conflict resolution, community service and environmental stewardship. In the context of modern individualism, humility becomes a key tool for overcoming social problems such as inequality and polarization. In conclusion, it is emphasized that humility not only enriches personal spirituality but also contributes to a more just and harmonious society.

Keywords:

humility Orthodoxy relationships with neighbors spiritual growth social problems community service forgiveness encouragement

REFERENCES

Show list ▼

Author Information

Vyacheslav Dmitriev

Position: Master’s student, Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary

Address: 92 Michurina St., Saratov, 410028, Russian Federation

Email: vdmitriev1380@gmail.com

Read Article (in Russian)


Section II. II. Historical Theology

The Ministry of a Priest in an Elementary (General Education) School of the 19th — Early 20th Centuries and Now

Priest V. Kuvakin

For citation:
Kuvakin V., priest. Sluzhenie svyashchennika v nachal’noj (obshcheobrazovatel’noj) shkole XIX — nach. XX vv. i v nastoyashchee vremya [The ministry of a priest in an elementary (general education) school of the 19th — early 20th century. XX centuries and now] // Pravoslavnyy teolog [Orthodox Theologian]. 2025. No. 1 (1). pp. 47–57.

Abstract

The article discusses the question of possible teaching academic subjects in secondary schools by a priest, using the example of current cases, as well as the experience of prerevolutionary education. The author provides comparisons of the teaching of secular teachers and priests in Russia during the XIX – early XX centuries and these days.

Keywords:

priest parish schools teacher secular schools theological schools students

REFERENCES

Show list ▼

Author Information

Priest Vladimir Kuvakin

Position: Master’s student, Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary

Address: 92 Michurina St., Saratov, 410028, Russian Federation

Email: kuvakin.vladimir@yandex.ru

Read Article (in Russian)


Section III. Practical Theology

Theology of the Proskomedia in Its Historical Development

Priest K. Matveev

For citation:
Matveev К., priest. Bogoslovie proskomidii v ee istoricheskom razvitii [Theology of the Proskomedia in its Historical Development] // Pravoslavnyy teolog [Orthodox Theologian]. 2025. No. 1 (1). pp. 58–90.

Abstract

The study is devoted to the issue of the origin and theological understanding of the proskomedia as an integral part of the liturgical rite. The work examines the problems of distinguishing between symbolic and allegorical interpretation of sacred rites, reflecting in them the themes of the Nativity, Resurrection, the Golgotha sacrifice, the Universal Church, the meaning of liturgical commemoration of the living and the dead.

Keywords:

proskomedia worship symbol Eucharist sacrifice redemption

REFERENCES

Show list ▼

Author Information

Priest Konstantin Matveev

Position: Master’s student, Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary

Address: 92 Michurina St., Saratov, 410028, Russian Federation

Email: kostya_matveev_1992@mail.ru

Read Article (in Russian)


Digital Technologies as a Means of Involving People in the liturgical life of the Church

I. Krivenkov

For citation:
Krivenkov I. Cifrovye tekhnologii kak sredstvo vovlecheniya lyudej v bogosluzhebnuyu zhizn’ Cerkvi [Digital technologies as a means of involving people in the liturgical life of the Church] // Pravoslavnyy teolog [Orthodox Theologian]. 2025. No 1 (1). pp. 91–103.

Abstract

In the modern world, the media space plays a key role in the dissemination of information and interaction between different segments of society. The Russian Orthodox Church, realizing the importance of involving the public in its activities, is actively exploring the possibilities of the media space to achieve this goal. Public involvement in the life of the Russian Orthodox Church is one of the key tasks for the clergy. The purpose of this process is to bridge the gap between society and the Church, which may hinder the cause of salvation of mankind. The implementation of this process should take place at all levels, from the highest, within the framework of the policy of the Russian Orthodox Church, to the lowest, within the framework of individual Orthodox parishes.

Keywords:

media-space the Russian Orthodox Church mass-media Internet resources TV channels radio magazines publishing houses the public

REFERENCES

Show list ▼

Author Information

Ivan Krivenkov

Position: Master’s student, Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary

Address: 92 Michurina St., Saratov, 410028, Russian Federation

Email: krivenkov.99@list.ru

Read Article (in Russian)


The Social Teaching of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Context of Globalization Processes as a subject of Theological Reflection

Hieromonk Barnabas (G. Maksimenko)

For citation:
Barnabas (Maximenko G.), hieromonk. Social’noe uchenie Russkoj Pravoslavnoj Cerkvi v usloviyah processov globalizacii kak predmet bogoslovskoj refleksii [The social teaching of the Russian Orthodox Church in the context of globalization processes as a subject of theological reflection] // Pravoslavnyy teolog [Orthodox Theologian]. 2025. № 1 (1). pp. 104–121

Abstract

The article examines the social teaching of the Russian Orthodox Church in the context of globalization processes as a subject of theological reflection. The study showed that the social teaching of the Orthodox Church is the most importantaspectofunderstandingthecontroversialissuesofglobalizationandthe life of modern society. The social teaching of the Church opens up opportunities for deeper cooperation between church and secular researchers. In the context of geopolitical changes, the social teaching of Russian Orthodoxy is becoming increasingly relevant, as it helps to solve complex global problems of humanity more effectively and find new ways for mutual cooperation between Church, state and society. It is noted that scientific research in the field of the social teaching of the Orthodox Church makes it possible to better understand the complexity and versatility of theological reflection as a specific form of theological rationality. It is established that theological reflection covers the spiritual phenomena of Christianity and the theological theories of knowledge of God, the world and man. Reflection is associated with the ability of a Christian researcher to study the theology of Christianity in the relevance of the context and individual thought of each person, as well as with a theological analysis of the social phenomena of the global world and the past spiritual experience of Christianity. In order to better understand the essence of the social teaching of the Russian Orthodox Church, the author takes into account the eschatological and liturgical experience of the life of an Orthodox Christian as key elements of the spiritual life of an Orthodox Christian. One of the main tasks of a Christian’s public ministry in the light of the social teaching of the Russian Orthodox Church is to establish cooperation between the Orthodox clergy and representatives of secular science. The dialogue between science and religion is part of an integrated approach to solving the global problems of modern humanity. It is concluded that the social teaching of the Orthodox Church is an integral part of the modern system of public relations and contributes to strengthening cooperation between the Orthodox Church, the state and society, as well as spreading the spiritual values of Christianity. The study of the development of the social teaching of the Russian Orthodox Church in the context of modern geopolitical changes is relevant in the context of the growing importance of contacts between religion and science. Changes in the geopolitical environment require new theological approaches to understanding the life of modern society. The research is aimed at systematization and in-depth analysis of the processes of globalization and social development. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the influence of Orthodox worship on the understanding of the foundations of Christian spirituality, social development and asceticism. The problem considered by the author is the need for systematization and a deeper understanding of the role of the social teaching of Russian Orthodoxy in the context of modern geopolitical transformations. The key aspects of the problem include theological reflection and adaptation of Orthodox researchers to the new challenges of globalization. Thus, the study is important for the theory and practice of the social teaching of the Orthodox Church in the context of modern global challenges, which contributes to building strong and stable relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and Russian society.

Keywords:

globalization theology social teaching reflection cooperation society worship

REFERENCES

Show list ▼

Author Information

Hieromonk Barnabas (Grigory Maximenko)

Position: Master’s student, Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary

Address: 92 Michurina St., Saratov, 410028, Russian Federation

Email: 9198792636@mail.ru

Read Article (in Russian)


The Role of Religious Studies and Theological Education in the Formation of Interfaith Dialogue in Modern Russian Society

Deacon A. Shapovalov

For citation:
Шаповалов А.Д., диак. Роль религиоведческого и теологического образования в формировании межконфессионального диалога в современном российском обществе // Православный теолог. 2025. № 1 (1). С. 122–131.

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of the role of religious studies and theological education in the formation of interfaith dialogue in modern Russian society. The importance of religious institutions as unique social structures influencing the cultural and socio-economic development of society is considered. Special attention is paid to the phenomenon of «Orthodox religious studies» as an attempt to synthesize religious and theological approaches to the study of religion. The paper analyzes the current state of theological education in Russia. The article examines the complementary role of religious studies and theological education in the formation of a professional community of specialists capable of effective promoting interreligious dialogue. The author concludes that the synergy of religious studies and theological education creates the necessary scientific and methodological basis for constructive interfaith interaction, contributes to the preservation of cultural identity in the context of globalization and to the formation of respect for various religious traditions.

Keywords:

religious studies theological education interfaith dialogue Orthodox religious studies religious traditions higher education

REFERENCES

Show list ▼

Author Information

Deacon Artem Shapovalov

Position: Master’s student, Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary

Address: 92 Michurina St., Saratov, 410028, Russian Federation

Email: artemka121999@icloud.com

Read Article (in Russian)