Observing the Enigma of
Russian Christianity
Nicolas Zernov
October 1898 and lived many years in the United
Kingdom. While teaching theology at Oxford University,
Zernov wrote books about Christianity in Russia. [1]
of Russia. Helena Blavatsky referred to the Russian
nation as “the only country where the pure ideal of
made of universal love - is “sustained by an inner spirit, the
living spirit of Christ”. Both statements can be seen with full
references in the article “Slavophilism and Theosophy”.[2]
Introduction
The Enigma of the Russian Church
“Moscow the Third Rome” is a title which means little to an English reader. It would probably
suggest to him some obscure legend of early Russian history, hardly to be
connected with the modern problems of Russian life. And yet there are probably few subjects which
have more direct bearing on the development of Russian religion, and on the
destiny of the nation, than the belief in Moscow as the Third and last Rome,
the successor and spiritual heir of Rome and Constantinople.
Russia has always been little understood by other
countries. Her religion, art and culture remained practically unknown until the
end of the nineteenth century, when the attention of other nations was first
directed to her literature through the writings of such men as Tolstoy and Dostoevsky,
who opened the door to the realm of Russian thoughts and ideas. Gradually
Russian music, drama, and in particular Russian ballet, have become
appreciated, and have taken a prominent place in the artistic life of Europe
and America.
The Revolution which overthrew the Imperial power in
1917 marked an epoch, not only in the history of Russia herself, but also in
her relations with other countries, for since then the attention of the world
has been focussed on her social and economical problems.
(Nicolas Zernov)
NOTES:
[1] See for instance “Three Russian Prophets”.
[2] The article is available online: “Slavophilism and Theosophy”.
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The first edition
of “Moscow the Third Rome” (1937),
as reprinted in the UK in 1942, was published in PDF in the associated websites
on 10 October 2022. The book has 112 pages.
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Read more:
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Helena Blavatsky (photo) wrote these revealing words: “Deserve, then desire”.
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