State policy on the development of orthodox spiritual education in Russia in the second half of the 19th century (on the materials of Simbirsk province)

The article deals with the development of Orthodox spiritual education in Russia during the liberal reforms of Alexander II and the conservative rule of Alexander III. The author analyzes the changes in the legislative framework of the activities of parochial schools and theological seminaries in the second half of the 19th century, evaluates the results of transformations in the field of Orthodox spiritual education. The article pays considerable attention to the government and the Holy Synod's measures to address the main problems in the sphere of spiritual education, such as insufficient material support for educational institutions and a shortage of teaching staff. The reform of Orthodox religious education, according to the author, resulted in the decrease in the level of training of graduates, as well as the spread of revolutionary ideas in theological educational institutions.