Alexei Osipov


Alexei Ilyich Osipov is a Russian Orthodox theologian, professor and lecturer from the Moscow Orthodox Theological Academy.
He is also a widely popular Orthodox pedagogue, publicist and defender of Russian Orthodoxy, being a slavophil, apologist of Eastern Christianity as based on teachings of Church Fathers and exposer of deficiencies of western Catholic teachings.

Early life and education

He was born in Belyov, Tula oblast, RSFSR, USSR.
After finishing school he refused to enter any university and in home conditions he undertook the study of theology under the guidance of hegumen Nikon (Vorobyov) for 3 years. In 1958 he entered the 4th grade of Moscow Theological Seminary, having passed exams for the previous three years. Next year he entered Moscow Theological Academy which he finished in 1963. In 1985 he was given a doctorate in theology.

Career

Since 1965 he has been a lecturer of basic theology, and since 1975 a professor.

Honours

Views

Osipov opposed the canonization of the Romanovs, saying " suffered not for his Christian convictions but as a political figure".

Sanctions

On January 23, 2023, Osipov was sanctioned by the government of Ukraine as part of a sanctions package against numerous leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church. Ukrainska Pravda reported that Osipov had expressed public support for Russia during its invasion of Ukraine.