Russia – Two Badges of Honor for Candidates of Theology, Orthodox Theological Academies (St. Petersburg, 1899–1904)
These two Badges of Honor were awarded to candidates of theology from Orthodox Theological Academies in St. Petersburg between 1899 and 1904, recognizing academic excellence and theological achievement.
First Badge
Features a cross with red enamel detailing on the obverse
Dimensions: 46.27 x 40.84 mm
Hallmarks present on the reverse
Second Badge
Non-enameled version
Dimensions: 46.25 x 40.89 mm
Hallmarks present on both sides of the cross
These badges exemplify the distinguished recognition bestowed upon theology candidates during this period. For further details, please refer to the accompanying images.
History of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy
The academy was founded in 1797 under Metropolitan Gavrill as the Alexander Nevsky Theological Academy. It was initially an adjunct institution to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra seminary. In 1809, under Metropolitan Amvrosy, the academy was renamed the Petersburg Theological Academy.
Students were primarily selected from graduates of the St. Petersburg Theological Seminary. Initially led by an archimandrite, the academy later appointed a bishop as rector. Over time, it developed an extensive academic program, conferring degrees such as:
Doctor of Theology
Master of Theology
Candidate of Theology
The faculty included prominent clergy and lay scholars, such as:
Clerical Figures: Evgeny (Bolkhovitinov), Makary (Bulgakov), Philaret (Drozdov), and Antony (Vadkovsky)
Lay Professors: V. V. Bolotov, A. P. Lopukhin, and A. A. Dmitrievsky
Among the academy’s notable graduates were:
Saints: John of Kronstadt, Tikhon of Moscow
Bishops and Theologians: Theophan the Recluse, Metropolitan Benjamin (Kazansky), Sergius (Tikhomirov) of Japan
The academy became a center for theological and historical research, producing scholarly translations of the Church Fathers and publishing theological journals, such as:
Khristianskoe Chtenie (since 1821)
Tserkovny Vestnik (since 1874)
Changes and Challenges in the 20th Century
As the 20th century began, the academy underwent significant changes:
1913: Renamed the Imperial Theological Academy
1917: Closed following the Bolshevik Revolution, with its facilities seized and converted into an orphanage
1920–1928: Theological education continued through the Theological Institute and Higher Theological Courses
After years of suppression, the academy reopened in 1946 as the Leningrad Theological Academy, using the facilities of the St. Petersburg Theological Seminary. It was placed under the supervision of the Educational Committee of the Holy Synod.
1963: Established a faculty for foreign students
1978: Introduced choir singing and directing courses
1991: Resumed publication of Khristianskoe Chtenie
Following the fall of the Soviet Union, the academy’s name reverted to St. Petersburg Theological Academy. As of 2002, it had 137 students, including 58 international students.
Since 1996, the rector of the academy has been Bishop Constantine Tikhvinsky (Goryanov), who also oversees all theological schools in St. Petersburg.
Among its prominent graduates since 1946 are:
Patriarch Alexei II (Ridiger)
Metropolitan Vladimir (Kotlyarov)
Today, the academy continues to serve as a vital institution for Orthodox theological education and scholarship.