Saint Tikhon's Orthodox University

Saint Tikhon's Orthodox University

Dome of the new campus in Likhov Lane under construction, 2008
Former names	Theology and Cathechisis Courses (1991–1992) Saint Tikhon's Orthodox Institute of Humanities (1992-2004)
Type	Theological university for the laity
Established	1991
Affiliation	Russian Orthodox Church
Rector	Revd. Vladimir Vorobyov
Location	Moscow, Russia
Campus	Urban (under construction)
Website	http://pstgu.ru/

Coordinates: 55°46′19″N 37°36′46″E / 55.77204°N 37.6129°E / 55.77204; 37.6129

Saint Tikhon's Orthodox University of Humanities (Russian: Православный Свято-Тихоновский гуманитарный университет) in Moscow, Russia is a coeducational theological university for the laity affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church. The university, established in 1991, is Russia's first theological graduate-level school for the lay men and women, unlike traditional Orthodox seminaries preparing male students for ordination. It is the only Orthodox institution in Russia that is accredited to issue generally accepted diplomas. Ten departments of the university provide education in theology, history, teaching, missionary practice, religious arts and music, economics, social services and information management. Basic theology studies are mandatory for students of all departments. Admission does not require adherence to Orthodox faith or any religious tests, except for the icon school where applicants should demonstrate skills in traditional Orthodox art.

The university traces its roots to Orthodox missionaries Vsevolod Schpiller (1902–1984) and hieromonk Paul (Troitsky) (1894–1991). In the end of the 1980s their alumni set up evening courses of theology that merged in a unified institution in 1991 and, with support of Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow, acquired state accreditation as a university in 1992. The University is closely associated with the Brotherhood of Merciful Saviour, which traditionally provided teaching staff and premises to the University.