Paul Hondzinsky
In Russia appeared the first candidate of theology Archpriest Paul Hondzinsky he defended his thesis on “Resolution of problems of the Russian theology of the eighteenth century in the synthesis of St. Philaret, Metropolitan of Moscow”. It is reported by RIA Novosti.
Hondzinsky was planning to become a PhD in related disciplines of history and philosophy, but theology was recognized as a scientific discipline in 2015, and he decided to defend it.
For awarding the degree to the Archpriest voted 21 out of the 22 present members of the joint dissertation Council on theology, headed by the Chairman of the Department for external Church relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk (Russian Alfeeva).
Critics of the thesis said that the method of the author based on his personal experiences of faith and experience the life of the theologian. The defense was attended by about 70 people — the priests, scholars and journalists.
Theology recognized as an academic profession in Russia in 2015 by the decision of the Higher attestation Commission (HAC). This happened after the speech of the Patriarch to the members of Council of Federation and deputies of the state Duma. The scientific community embraced this initiative with discontent.