Closure and reopening as the Kiev Theological Academy National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy

seal of old kyiv-mohyla academy.

by late 18th century kyiv , surrounding lands had become part of russian empire , in 1817 tsar alexander of russia made decision close academy. in response move large number of academy s alumni petitioned monarch, albeit unsuccessfully, turn kyiv-mohyla academy formal university. instead, in 1819, academy turned on church , transformed kiev theological academy - purely clerical institution. during time, admission academy open children of existing clergy , key positions held alumni of saint petersburg seminary.

with passing years need new, modern, institution of higher education in kyiv became apparent , tsar s ministers began consider establishment of such school. would, however, take long time before actual opening of university in city , when did occur did not come in form of reopened kyiv-mohyla academy in foundation of entirely new secular university - saint vladimir university (founded in 1834 on orders of tsar nicholas i.