Attempts to raise the educational level of the Uniate clergy at the Basilian Seminary in Novy Sverzhen (1743-1833)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present the activities of the first educational institution educating Uniate clergy in the Metropolitan Diocese of Kiev and its role in the education of the Uniate community of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The seminary was founded in 1743 by Michał Kazimierz Radziwiłł 'Rybeńko' in Novy Sverzhen (Nowy Świerżeń). The conduct of the seminary was entrusted to the Order of the Lithuanian Basilian Province. Monks served as rectors and teachers. The curriculum was modeled on Jesuit colleges. The seminary in Novy Sverzhen was planned for 12 alumni. The seminar educated clergymen for the Uniate parishes located in the Radziwiłł estate. The first seminary in the Uniate Metropolitan Diocese of Kiev did not solve the problem of the low intellectual level of the Uniate clergy. In relation to the needs the ability to train 12 alumni was far too small. The seminary closed in 1828.