Theological views of Theophan the Recluse

Abstract

This paper is devoted to the theological arguments of Saint Theophan the Recluse (1815– 1894). First of all, the work notes that since the beginning of the XVIII century, the Church was subordinated to the state power, which greatly hindered the development of theology in Russia and led to many contradictions in the Church environment itself. Nevertheless, even in such difficult conditions, there were people in the Church who were able to set an example of a righteous life and intensive intellectual work. Among these we noticed Theophan the Recluse. He wrote many works that reflected not only the General principles of the Church, but also his own understanding of a number of phenomena. The works of Theophan the Recluse can be in demand not only in religious studies and theological disciplines, but also in psychology and sociology.