Metropolitan Onuphry sends greetings to Kyiv Theological Academy conference
His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry. Photo: UOC
On October 27, 2026, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry sent a message of greeting to the organizers, participants, and guests of the 18th International Scientific and Practical Conference, “Religious and Secular Education: History of Relations – Present Day – Prospects.” The message was published on the UOC press service's website.
The Primate noted that the conference has become a cherished academic tradition at the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary. He said this year's gathering holds special significance, as 2026 marks the 430th anniversary of the birth of St. Peter Mohyla, Metropolitan of Kyiv. For the academy, the anniversary is not merely a milestone in Church history but also an opportunity to revisit the roots of its educational tradition.
Metropolitan Onuphry recalled that St. Peter Mohyla initiated the merger of the Lavra School and the Kyiv Brotherhood School, laying the foundation for the Kyiv Collegium. The collegium later developed into the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and, in the early 19th century, the Kyiv Theological Academy. The Primate also mentioned the Orthodox Confession of Faith, approved by the Eastern Patriarchs, and the 1646 Trebnik (Book of Needs).
The UOC Primate emphasized that St. Peter Mohyla's legacy has been assessed in different ways over the centuries. He therefore stressed the importance of studying the saint's writings, historical sources, and the broader context of his work with scholarly rigor and impartiality. He expressed hope that the conference presentations and discussions would contribute to a deeper understanding of this legacy, wished participants fruitful work, and invoked God's blessing upon their efforts.
The UOJ previously published an article about St. Peter Mohyla and his homeland. The saint served as Metropolitan of Kyiv in the 17th century. The Kyiv Collegium, established under his leadership, laid the foundation for two renowned educational institutions – the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and the Kyiv Theological Academy.
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