Lviv Theological Seminary of UGCC and Theological Academy led by Rector Josyf Slipyj (1926–1939ʼs)

Abstract

Based on archival materials and memoirs of Josyf Slipyj the status and development
of the Lviv Theological Seminary of UGCC and Theological Academy during the interwar
period are investigated. The institution’s ways out of the crisis after the First World War
are showed. The managing talent of Rector Josyf Slipyj is explored. The questions of
building and reconstruction of premises, organization of the educational process, internal
organization and establishing discipline, transfer of the institution to self-sufficiency
through establishing agricultural households in such villages like Yaktoriv, Andriivka and
Vynnyky are reviewed. The Amount of the academic programs of Theological Academy,
opening of new faculties, teaching art history and archeology is specified. Participation
of seminarians in social and cultural life of those times is shown. Attention is drawn
to the Vatican’s attempts to introduce celibacy (wifelessness of priests). Theological
Seminary contribution to the development of neo-Thomism is defined.
Keywords: Theological Seminary, Theological Academy, Rector Josyf Slipyj, art,
theology