The Rector of the Don Spiritual Seminary Conducted an Open Lecture within the Course "Theology of Social Service"translated

On September 16, 2026, an open online lecture was held as part of the course "Theology of Social Service," implemented in the Master's program "Social Service of the Russian Orthodox Church." The lecture was conducted by the author of the course — Protopresbyter Timofey Fetisov, doctor of theology, associate professor, and rector of the Don Spiritual Seminary. More than a hundred people joined the lecture online: students of the master's program, employees of diocesan social departments, leaders and volunteers of the charitable sisters' organizations, as well as all those interested in the issues of Christian social service.

During the lecture, theological foundations of social diaconia were discussed, its connection with ecclesiology, asceticism, and soteriology. Special attention was given to understanding social service as an integral part of Church life, rooted in Holy Scripture, dogmatic teaching, and patristic heritage.

The course "Theology of Social Service" is part of the Master's program "Social Service of the Russian Orthodox Church" and aims to form a comprehensive theological understanding of ecclesiastical social service.

A recording of the open lecture is available at:…