Religious upbringing in the cadet corps of the Russian empire during the reign of Nicholas I

The article examines religious education and upbringing of students in the Cadet Corps of the Russian Empire during the reign of Nicholas I. Presented is an overview of the legislative framework for the educational and upbringing process, the curriculum and teaching methods for Divine Law, and the main forms of religious upbringing for cadets. In the second quarter of the 19th century, the Cadet Corps became one of the primary sources of officer recruitment for the Russian army. During this period, programs and instructions for the subjects taught were developed for the first time. The emphasis is made on the fact that during the period under consideration, religious education in military educational institutions was given priority, with the teaching of the native language fading into the background. It is shown that throughout the entire period under study, measures were taken by the leadership of military educational institutions to develop religious feelings in the cadets. The basis of religious upbringing was based on the principles of pluralism and religious tolerance. The daily life of the Cadet Corps followed the Orthodox calendar more and more. This is demonstrated by a schedule of days and hours when cadets were excused from classes so that they might attend festive religious services on other days apart from Sundays. Special attention is also given to the teaching of Divine Law to cadets of different religious denominations, including Muslims (both Sunnis and Shiites), Armenians, and Lutherans.