Pastoral conflicts of the 18th century: fate of archbishop Theodosius (Yanovsky) as founder of st. Petersburg lavra and seminary in the context of holy Synod activities.

The article tells about the church and church-state relationships during the first third of the 18th century. Special attention is dedicated to the ups and downs of a bright archbishop of Veliky Novgorod — Theodosius (Yanovsky). His personality and activity are regarded to in the light of the newly founded Holy Synod by Peter I. The struggle for political influence between the hierarchs of Russian Church has affected the development of spiritual life in Russia. The foundation of the Alexader-Nevsky monastery and the Slavic-greek-latin seminary in St-Petersburg became bright events in which Theodosius Yanovsky took part. The author’s conclusion about primitive understanding of the personality of the founder of lavra and seminary in St-Petersburg gives a perspective of a complex view on the role of this church activist in Russian history. The energy and intellect of archbishop Theodosius have laid the foundation of future fruitful development of church ministry, education and culture.