The school will train priests for Ossetian parishes Recently our bulletin published materials about a new mosque in the North Ossetian town of Beslan (see http://www.vestikavkaza.ru/articles/obshestvo/religion/27173.html)
Orthodox traditions are not neglected in the region. This October Vladikavkaz hosted laying of the foundation stone ceremony of Saint John the Warrior Church, attended by high orthodox officials. Archbishop of Stavropol and Vladikavkaz Theophanes announced the forthcoming construction of religious school in Vladikavkaz. The school will train priests for Ossetian speaking parishes. The first admission of 16-year-old students will be conducted this year. The education given by the school will last for four years and is counted for higher education. Today the Orthodox Church poses a task of reanimation of Orthodox traditions in the Caucasus.
As far as the educational process is concerned, all practical issues are already resolved. Secular disciplines will be taught by North Ossetian State University professors, while special disciplines will be taught by priests. Special attention will be played to Ossetian history, culture, traditions and language, even translation of liturgy to Ossetian language is being planned. Archbishop Theophanes suggests that the transition will not be immediate, because it depends not only on well-educated priests but on the people themselves as well: a big share of local population does not master their own native language.
There is also a project of Ardon restoration theological seminary that used to train not only priests from Caucasus, but from other Russian regions as well. Courses in icon painting, restoration, church singing and nurse skills are planned to be opened under the seminary.
Tamara Bunturi, Vladikavkaz. Exclusively for VK.
