On the issue of teaching canon law and related disciplines in theological schools. Review of the article by P. I. Gaidenko (“Christian reading” No. 2, 2024)

The article is a polemical response to the article by P. I. Gaidenko “Problems of teaching canon law and related disciplines in higher secular and theological schools: expectations, reality, prospects” published in the magazine “Christian Reading” No. 2, 2024. It was based on his report at the conference “Problems of teaching church law in church and secular higher educational institutions” dedicated to the 5th anniversary of the Barsov Society (St. Petersburg Theological Academy, 01.30.2024). The article discusses such issues as the structure of the discipline, a need to introduce a preparatory course and other auxiliary disciplines, requirements for teachers, the content of the course and the attitude of teachers and students towards it. Along with this, agreement with the opinion of P. I. Gaidenko on most issues is expressed, though on a number of problems, a critical position is stated, in particular, on the need to introduce additional subjects, on teaching the discipline mainly by clergy, etc.