The Role of Spiritual Education in the Closed Sacred Space of the Yenisei Siberia (second half of the 18th – first half of the 19th centuries)

The article examines the local features of theological education in Yenisey Siberia in the second half of the XVIII -first half of the XIX centuries on the example of the Russian-Latin school in Krasnoyarsk and Yeniseysk and the Yenisey Theological School.Archival documents and materials of church periodicals tell about the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church in the field of theological education.The emphasis is placed on the sacred space of the church parish.The paper identifies staffing issues in schools and colleges, analyzes the social composition of students and teachers, examines the principles of the educational process aimed at mindset formation of future pastors.The authors conclude that, despite the dogmatism inherent in the system, future clergymen could acquire knowledge in the field of Christian doctrine, as well as literacy and numeracy skills.The attention is drawn to the fact that during the period in question, the principle of life-long learning in theological education was being formed.The experience of reconstruction and analysis of the activities of well-known clergy of the Yenisey Siberia show that thanks to their activities, the Orthodox Church gave a good account of itself on the imperial outskirts, being at a considerable distance from diocesan authorities.The clergy gave examples of Christian behavior through the Liturgy, promoted the cohesion of the parish, helped to build communication within the community.