Abstract: The article analyzes the history of the development of spiritual education in Russia at the beginning of the XVIII century. The opening of theological schools belonged to the era of Peter the Great and was important for the training of personnel for church positions. And if Ancient Russia had only elementary schooling, consisting in reading and writing, then in the second half of the XVII century Kievan scientists appeared in Moscow, who had a scholastic influence on the training of future priests. The opening of theological schools in Russia is traditionally associated with the name of Peter I, his ideas of planting European enlightenment and the influence of Kiev scientists who Latinized the learning process. Peter I's attempt to rebuild the system of spiritual education did not succeed immediately, but by the 30s of the XVIII century, a full Latin course was introduced in theological schools on the model of the Kiev Academy. Under the patronage of Peter I, a common goal was formed – to raise the level of religious and moral development of the clergy. It was from the time of Peter the Great in the second half of the XVII century that scientists from Kiev appeared. The era of Peter I assumed steep reforms and innovations, which were directly followed by the spirit of the Kiev Collegium, and its students brought a completely new, modern ideal of education.