The Orthodox Saint-Sergius Theological Institute in Paris was founded in the first half of the 20th century. Today, it is a higher theological educational institution, officially recognized in France and operating within the Paris educational district.

The main task of the Institute is to prepare laypeople and clergy for service in the Orthodox Church. In its work, it draws on the best traditions of Russian theology and actively engages with contemporary theological research.

The Institute offers full-time studies in Orthodox theology for a Licentiate degree, as well as the writing of master's and doctoral theses in French. Correspondence courses for a Licentiate degree are also available in French and Russian. The Institute organizes theological conferences, colloquia, scientific congresses, open lectures, and meetings.

In the mid-19th century, Protestant pastor Friedrich von Bodelschwingh opened a church for German workers in the 19th arrondissement of Paris. However, at the beginning of the 20th century, during World War I, German families left Paris, and the church became empty. The French government put it up for sale. At this time, Metropolitan Evlogy (Georgievsky), who led the Russian parishes in Western Europe, was looking for a place for an Orthodox church and spiritual seminary. The church in the 19th arrondissement was ideal for these purposes. On July 18, 1924, on the feast day of St. Sergius of Radonezh, the church was purchased by the Russian Archdiocese. Inspired by this event, Metropolitan Evlogy dedicated the church and Theological Institute to St. Sergius.

The idea of Metropolitan Evlogy to open a spiritual school was supported by prominent professors, theologians, and religious thinkers of the Russian emigration in Europe. Among them were such outstanding figures as Archpriest Sergei Bulgakov, historians Anton Kartashev and Georgy Fedotov, philosophers Boris Vysheslavtsev and Archpriest Vasily Zenkovsky, patrologist and theologian Archpriest Georgy Florovsky, patrologist and liturgist Archimandrite Cyprian Kern, ecclesiologist and professor of canon law Protopresbyter Nikolai Afanasyev, New Testament specialist Bishop Kassian Bezobrazov, Lev Zander, and many others. Their work became a living testimony of Orthodoxy in the Western world.

From the very beginning, the Sergius Institute became an academic center where theological thought and science developed freely, without state or political pressure. The scientific recognition of the Institute grew rapidly. After World War II, the Institute received the right to confer theological degrees. Since 1953, annual "Liturgical Congresses" have been held, featuring leading specialists in liturgical theology.

Originally intended for the Russian emigration, the Sergius Institute has become a spiritual and religious alma mater for students of various nationalities and denominations. Graduates of the Institute serve the Orthodox Church worldwide.

The second generation of prominent theologians associated with the Institute includes Protopresbyters Alexander Schmemann and John Meyendorff, Protopresbyter Alexei Knyazev, Archpriest Nikolai Kulomzin, Konstantin Andronikov, Olivier Clément, Protopresbyter Boris Bobrinsky, and others. Today, the theological tradition is continued by professors Archpriest Nikolai Ozolin, Archpriest Nikolai Chernokrak, Deacon Andrei Lossky, Dmitry Shakhovskoy, Jean-François Colosimo, Michel Stavrou, and other young teachers and scholars. A significant contribution to the development of the Institute was made by Natalia Schmemann, the niece of Fr. Alexander Schmemann, and many other devoted Orthodox individuals.

The Orthodox Saint-Sergius Theological Institute continues its mission of serving Orthodox theology and the Church of Christ.