His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ awarded the title of Honorary Doctor of St Petersburg University
In the year of the 300th anniversary of St Petersburg University, Patriarch Kirill has visited the University and consecrated the newly restored Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. The University Church was originally established in the 1830s within the Twelve Collegia building. During the Patriarchal visit, St Petersburg University held a ceremony to present Patriarch Kirill with the University insignia, commemorating his conferment of the title of Honorary Doctor of St Petersburg University.
The title of ‘Honorary Doctor of St Petersburg University’ is bestowed upon distinguished individuals in science, education and culture, prominent statespersons and public figures who have significantly contributed to the advancement of international cooperation in research, culture, economics, and politics. Honorary Doctors of St Petersburg University are: Dmitry Medvedev, President of the Russian Federation (2008-2012); Gerhard Schröder, Federal Chancellor of Germany (1998-2005); President of the People’s Republic of China Xí Jìnpíng; President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia Luis Arce; Chairman of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation Alexander Bastrykin; Nobel Prize-winning writer Orhan Pamuk; co-discoverer of the structure of DNA James Watson; chemist Ryōji Noyori; and other eminent researchers.
Our society and nation have traversed a long and challenging path. From a history marked by the denial of God and discrimination against religious individuals and teachings, we have evolved to a point where a Christian Patriarch can address a secular university, and no one questions the compatibility of religious teaching, theology, and science. While everyone agrees that faith in God is individual and remains a deeply personal matter, the conditions that facilitate religious expression in the country are a public concern. My presence here today is a testament to the arduous journey our country has undertaken, and to the significant opportunities that have emerged for individuals to learn and grow according to their own choices. I would like to warmly thank you for the opportunity to speak today at St Petersburg University that is celebrating its 300th anniversary this year.
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’
Patriarch Kirill emphasised that the Russian Orthodox Church plays a crucial role in promoting and reinforcing traditional values today. Our Fatherland is currently navigating challenging times marked by momentous changes. Addressing the pressing issues of our time is a responsibility that falls on all of us, including those gathered here.
‘I have no doubt that we will embark on a journey of spiritual and moral healing for the well-being of our contemporary society because theology provides a vital framework that enables us to explore and discuss even the most complex and profound issues. I am confident that St Petersburg University will become a place where young people can grapple with life’s most significant questions, gain spiritual insight, and create an environment that supports students in making informed choices and shaping their futures,’ His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ added.
His Holiness presented the University with commemorative medals dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the Patriarchal enthronement and a collection of his works, which will enrich the collection of the M Gorky Scientific Library of St Petersburg University.
I want to express my heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Patriarch Kirill on being conferred the title of Honorary Doctor of St Petersburg University, an institution dear to me and to many present here today. This moment truly signifies a shift in our society. Your Holiness, your ministry serves as a profound example of moral fortitude in the face of division. Orthodox Christianity is currently under immense pressure, and you have to bear the weight of this responsibility on your shoulders. We sincerely wish you God’s help, resilience, and good health for bearing this cross, praying for our country, and guiding us all. As it is wisely said, the depth of faith cannot be measured, but holding onto these feelings helps us overcome all challenges. I would like to wish all the academic and research staff, students, their families, and loved ones the utmost success.
Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and alumnus of St Petersburg University
During the ceremony, Dmitry Medvedev presented Nikolay Kropachev, Rector of St Petersburg University, with the Order of Merit to the Fatherland, 2nd class, for his outstanding contributions to academic and research endeavours, his dedication to training qualified specialists, and his many years of conscientious service.
Nikolay Kropachev, Rector of St Petersburg University, Member of the Council for Coordination with Religious Organisations under the President of the Russian Federation, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, emphasised that the Presidential Executive Order ‘On Approving the Fundamentals of State Policy for the Preservation and Strengthening of Traditional Russian Spiritual and Moral Values’, published in November 2022, underscores the importance and value of these principles to the citizens. Throughout its three-century history, the University has consistently responded to the needs and demands of the state, prioritising the education of young people and strengthening spiritual and moral values.
Recognising the significance of spiritual enlightenment, St Petersburg University established the Institute of Theology in 2022. This initiative revived the traditions of teaching theological disciplines to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, and fostered research in the field of theology. Today, the University continues to strengthen its collaboration with leading spiritual educational institutions of the Russian Orthodox Church, integrating theological components into its research and academic programmes.
Nikolay Kropachev, Rector of St Petersburg University, Member of the Council for Coordination with Religious Organisations under the President of the Russian Federation, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences
To date, six theological dissertations have been defended at St Petersburg University: four dissertations for the Candidate of Theology degree and two for the Doctor of Theology degree. Additionally, the University researchers have secured 12 grants in theology: one from the Russian Science Foundation and 11 from the Russian Foundation for Basic Research — more than any other higher education institution in Russia.
The Institute of Theology was established at St Petersburg University in 2022. The key objective of this academic unit is to conduct research in the field of theology and revive the tradition of teaching theological disciplines to undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students. Professor Dmitrii Shmonin, Chairman of the Expert Council of the Higher Assessment Committee for Theology, Doctor of Science (Philosophy), was appointed Director of the Institute of Theology. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Institute of Theology at St Petersburg University is Professor Aleksandr Shchipkov, Rector of the Russian Orthodox University of St John the Theologian. Members of the Board of Trustees are: Bishop Seraphim of Istra, Chairman of the Synodal Department for Youth Affairs of the Russian Orthodox Church; Bishop Methodius of Yegoryevsk, Rector of the St Tikhon’s Orthodox University for the Humanities, Chairman of the Synodal Biblical and Theological Commission and the Inter-Council Presence’s commission on theology and theological education of the Russian Orthodox Church, Professor of the Institute of Theology at St Petersburg University; Bishop Siluan of Peterhof, Rector of the St Petersburg Theological Academy; and Anna Shafran, Head of the Directorate of Analytical Radio Programmes of the Zvezda Media Holding, the Russian Armed Forces Broadcasting Company.
During the Patriarchal visit to St Petersburg University, His Holiness consecrated the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, designed by Apollon Shchedrin, one of the most renowned architects of the first half of the 19th century. Additionally, His Holiness also presented the Order of Saint Blessed Grand Prince Alexander Nevsky, 3rd class, to Nikolay Kropachev, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Rector of St Petersburg University.
Only God’s moral law makes man a human being. No philosophy, discipline, or ideology can achieve this. I am glad to be able to express these sentiments in the sacred walls of the University Church. The very event unfolding here bears witness to the divine presence among us. Despite every effort to extinguish faith, belief in God endures in the hearts of humanity. As long as this faith lives, man will remain human. No philosophy can shield us from evil — only the fear of God and the divine presence in our consciousness and lives can accomplish this. May God grant that never again will any philosophy or political dictatorship be able to cause the most devastating and dangerous of separations in people’s lives — the severing of faith from knowledge, science from religion, and religion from culture. I wish that each one of you — professors, lecturers, and students — would receive divine help. I trust that St Petersburg University will remain faithful to its principles and continue to advance our national science. Concurrently, I hope that this church will never be reduced to a mere museum exhibit, but will remain a genuine source of spiritual support for all who work, teach, and study here.
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’
The service was attended by: Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of St Petersburg University; Konstantin Chuychenko, Minister of Justice of the Russian Federation, Member of the Board of Trustees of St Petersburg University; Alexander Beglov, Governor of St Petersburg, Member of the Board of Trustees of St Petersburg University; Aleksandr Gutsan, Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Northwestern Federal District; Alexander Drozdenko, Governor of the Leningrad Region, Member of the Board of Trustees of St Petersburg University; Gennady Krasnikov, President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Member of the Board of Trustees of St Petersburg University; Nikolay Kropachev, Rector of St Petersburg University, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Andrey Murov, First Deputy General Director of Rosseti PJSC, Member of the Board of Trustees of St Petersburg University; Aleksei Demidov, Chairman of the Council of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions of St Petersburg and the Leningrad Region, Rector of St Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design; Gennady Bogomazov, Chairman of the College Board of Honorary Professors of St Petersburg University; and other honourable guests.
Metropolitan Barsanuphius of St Petersburg and Ladoga; Metropolitan Gregory of Voskresensk and Chancellor of the Moscow Patriarchate; and Metropolitan Nikandr of Naro-Fominsk led the prayers during the service.
Today is a significant and momentous day for my alma mater. Forty-two years ago, when I entered the University, I could not have imagined that I would witness such a profound event, one that instils hope that both the University’s and our nation’s development will unfold under the protection of the Mother of God, following a steadfast course. Your Holiness, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude for your participation in the consecration and establishment of our University Church. I trust that it will become a sanctuary of solace for a great many academics, students, and parishioners, offering them a place to come and pray. Thank you deeply!
Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and alumnus of St Petersburg University
Dmitry Medvedev donated an icon of Righteous John of Kronstadt to the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.
Nikolay Kropachev, Rector of St Petersburg University, remarked that the University Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul was established in 1837 during the reconstruction of the Twelve Collegia building to serve the University’s needs. This architectural monument from the early 19th century was partially restored to its historical appearance following a restoration project from 1977 to 1983. The Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul counted many distinguished University scholars among its parishioners, including: renowned chemist Dmitri Mendeleev; Nobel Prize winners — physiologist Ivan Pavlov and biologist Ilya Mechnikov; as well as lecturers and students of St Petersburg University. The poet Alexander Blok was baptised at the University Church, and his formal betrothal to Liubov Mendeleeva, the daughter of the famous chemist, took place here.
In the year of the 300th anniversary of St Petersburg University, with the generous support of Gazprom PJSC and its Management Committee Chairman, Alexey Miller, the University Church’s interior underwent architectural and artistic restoration. The original paintings were carefully restored, and a new iconostasis and icon stands were crafted. For the Church, a new altar table with a reliquary, an altar cross with a crucifix, a tabernacle, a deacon’s candle holder, an altar seven-light candelabrum, and other church supplies were specially commissioned. Additional support was provided by Andrey Molchanov, Member of the Board of Trustees and graduate of St Petersburg University, and the founder of LSR Group.
Today, the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul is adorned with icons of St Nicholas the Wonderworker, St Nectarios of Aegina, St Panteleimon the Healer, St Seraphim of Sarov, St Sergius of Radonezh, St Alexander Nevsky, and St Tatiana of Rome. Additionally, it houses icons of new martyrs, including the former arch-priest of the University Church, Vladimir Lozin-Lozinsky, and the heavenly patron of the University and all Russian lawyers, Professor of Petrograd University Yuri Novitsky. Following the restoration, the ancient Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God (Hodegetria) was returned to the Church. Additionally, in September 2024, St Petersburg University received the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, created by artist Pavel Abramichev, who used a unique technique that employs samples of various soils instead of traditional colours.
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ gifted an image of Christ the Saviour to the University Church and consecrated the historic street cross, which is to be installed above the front entrance of the Twelve Collegia building.
As part of the ceremony, the distinguished guests visited the Petrovsky Hall, which hosted meetings of the Russian Empire’s government in the 18th century. They also viewed the exhibition titled ‘University and Orthodoxy,’ showcasing St Petersburg University’s accomplishments in spiritual education and theological research.