THE TRANSFER OF THE KYIV THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY TO A NEW LOCATION (1899–1901)

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyze the process of relocating the Kyiv Theological Seminary to a new site at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, to identify the causes and challenges encountered during its implementation, and to assess the outcomes. The basis for this historical investigation consists of archival documents from Fund 712 “Kyiv Theological Seminary” of the Central State Historical Archive of Ukraine in Kyiv, as well as materials from the “Kyivskykh yeparkhialnykh vidomostei” for the period from 1876 to 1901. It has been established that the reasons for relocating the Kyiv Theological Seminary included a shortage of educational and residential premises, an increase in student enrollment, and chronic overcrowding. The idea of constructing new premises for the seminary had emerged among its leadership as early as the 1870s. However, its realization was delayed either due to a lack of funding or the absence of a suitable land plot. It has been determined that until the late 1890s, the issue remained unresolved, and active efforts began only in 1898. The principal initiative for relocating the institution belonged to Metropolitan Ioannikii of Kyiv, and the land plot on Kudriavets Hill was his episcopal property. It was established that the construction of the seminary buildings was undertaken by L. Kucher, a contractor and first-guild merchant from Kyiv. According to the terms of the contract, he undertook to construct the main threestorey academic building, a two-storey hospital, a bathhouse, stables, a cellar, and to enclose the entire site with a fence. Construction works lasted for two full years, from spring 1899 to autumn 1901. Particular attention was devoted to the installation of ventilation, heating, water supply, sewage, and lighting systems. The main seminary building had three storeys, with a central projecting section rising to four storeys, making it one of the largest structures in Kyiv at the time. The cost of construction amounted to approximately 600,000 rubles, significantly exceeding the initially projected budget. The new building was designed to accommodate 550 seminarians, which corresponded to the actual number of students enrolled at the institution. The official relocation of the seminary from Podil to Kudriavets took place on October 1, 1901, although the furnishing of the premises, planting of a new orchard, and construction of auxiliary buildings continued afterward.