Thus, the number of those who entered the first course of higher theological educational establishments increased in 19% in 2016 and made 1593 students, the Educational Committee told Interfax-Religion on Wednesday.
Besides, the number of those who took preparatory courses to seminaries has increased in 25% (827 people in 2016-2017 compared to 662 in 2015-2016).
Today 5,877 students study in seminaries to become priests.