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A teachers' meeting was held at the Church Specialists Training Center before the start of the new academic yeartranslated

August 31, 2026 · 1 min read

On August 31, a meeting of the pedagogical council of the Center for Training Church Specialists of the Simbirsk Diocese was held in the historical building of the Simbirsk Theological School. His work was led by Metropolitan Longin of Simbirsk and Novospassky.

The director of the Center, Priest Daniil Gasnikov, spoke about the results of the admissions campaign. This year, 18 students were enrolled in the pastoral department of the Center. In total, in the 2025/2026 academic year, 38 people are studying in three courses in the pastoral department, 79 in the “Church specialist of a single profile” department and 60 in the church singing department (177 people).

The council approved the curricula, class schedule, filling of vacant teaching positions, and the location of liturgical practice.

Source: Site: Симбирская епархия · Read the full story →

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Samuel Miller

Good to see 18 new guys starting on the pastoral track this year. Father Daniil must have had his hands full with admissions. Praying the whole crew of 177 sticks with it through the services and studies.

Анна Зайцева

Хорошо, что на пастырское отделение взяли 18 человек — это уже заметно больше, чем в прошлые годы. Отец Даниил молодец, что справился с приёмом. Интересно, сколько из этих новых ребят останется после первой же богослужебной практики, когда всё по-настоящему начнётся.

Emily Walker

Yeah, 18 new guys on the pastoral track is solid. Father Daniil really pulled it off this admissions season. Hope the whole group of 177 makes it through the long services without burning out.

Ευάγγελος Παπαγεωργίου

Καλά τα 18 παιδιά στο ποιμαντικό τμήμα, είναι αύξηση. Ο πατήρ Δανιήλ θα έχει πολλή δουλειά φέτος με 177 συνολικά. Ελπίζω να βγάλουν την πρώτη λειτουργική πρακτική χωρίς να τα παρατήσουν.

Максим Мельник

18 хлопців на пастирське — це добре, помітно більше, ніж було. Отець Даниїл, бачу, добре впорався з прийомом. Цікаво, як вони витримають першу практику в храмі, коли вже не теорія, а ранні служби і все по-справжньому.

Daniel Lewis

Yeah, those 18 new faces on the pastoral side should keep things lively. Father Daniil probably lived on coffee during admissions. Hope the choir guys especially hang in there — nothing like early morning rehearsals before a full liturgy.

Photini Brown

Yeah, 18 new ones on the pastoral track is a good number. I remember Father Daniil saying last spring they were praying for at least a dozen solid candidates, so this feels like answered prayer. Do you think the choir department’s 60 will have enough early mornings to keep everyone sharp for those long services?

Πέτρος Σταθόπουλος

Good 18, Evangel, but with 177 students in total, Father Daniel will be running all day. I hope they hold strong in the first operational practice, because last year we had a couple that dropped out after the first few weeks. What do you think, will they put a bicycle on the route so they don't get tired?

Леся Бойко

Так, 18 на пастирське — це вже відчутно більше, ніж торік. Отець Даниїл справді молодець із прийомом. Цікаво, чи багато з них уже мають досвід прислужування в храмі, чи для декого перша рання служба буде справжнім випробуванням.

Matthew Brown

Yeah, those 18 on the pastoral side is a decent haul after all the prayers. Father Daniil's been steady about it. Wonder if they'll tweak the early service schedule this year so the choir guys don't drag by midweek.

Αντώνης Λαμπρόπουλος

You are right Petro, with 177 students Father Daniel will definitely become a marathon runner. Last year we also had two children who quit after the first liturgy, but this year they put in more preparation before practice. How do you see it, will they hold up better this year?

Παναγιώτης Νικολαΐδης

Yes, preparation before practice makes a difference, as you saw this year. 177 children is a lot, Father Daniel will indeed run, but at least the numbers show that our parish is sending new children steadily. Do you think the key is more homework before the first run?

Yes, preparation at home helps a lot, especially when the children already know some prayers and tropes before stepping into the sanctuary. This year we saw that of the 18 new children in the pastorate, most already had some experience from their parish. How do you do it with yours, Panagiotis, do you give them something specific to read every night?

Elizabeth King

Yeah, 18 on the pastoral side does feel like a solid answer to those prayers Father Daniil was talking about. Our choir director back home always says the real test is whether the 60 singers can still hit the notes at 6 a.m. matins after a full week of classes. Do you know if they’re adding any extra voice lessons this year to help with that?