“Let the Glorious Banner of Knowledge Wave Powerfully and High in the Hands of the Academy for Centuries to Come”. Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Saint Petersburg Theological Academy in 1909

The article, based on published and archival sources, examines the course of celebratory events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Saint Petersburg Theological Academy, when the jubilee celebrations took place over three days — December 15, 16, and 17, 1909. Emphasis is placed on the nervousness accompanying the festive events, caused by the conflict between the Holy Synod and the academic corporation. Attention is given not only to external events but also to the peculiarities of the academy’s daily life during these days. This was facilitated by a detailed report in the archive on the funds spent on the anniversary by the academy secretary. Following the celebration, the academic corporation planned to publish all materials in the form of a separate collection, but this was not achieved. Nevertheless, some projects were implemented. Firstly, a breastplate in memory of the academy’s centenary was developed and Imperially approved. Secondly, the Society of Spiritual and Material Assistance to Former Students of the Saint Petersburg Theological Academy was established and actively operated in all pre-revolutionary years.