“Оn the Content of the Old Faith and on the Reproach to Schismatics” of Andrei Denisov – a Sermon in Defense of Traditions

Abstract. The previously unreleased work of the leader of the Vyg Old Believer community, writer and polemicist Andrei Denisov (1654–1730) is published. The sermon “On the Content of the Old Faith” was created at the beginning of the 18th century and reflects the ideas of connection with Christian traditions, primarily with the ecclesiastical foundations of Medieval Russia, which was very important for the Old Believers. Reliance on the traditions was the main argument in disputes with ideological opponents who represented the official church. The preacher refers to authoritative sources, including the charter of Patriarch Jeremiah of Constantinople (1589) and “Book about Faith” (1648). Andrey Denisov focuses on the eschatological aspect of the theory of “Moscow, Third Rome”. According to the author, the evidence that the “Third Rome” fell is the reforms of Patriarch Nikon. The author also uses emotional methods to influence the reader. He applies special rhetorical means, including rhetorical appeals to the Baptist of Rus’ Prince Vladimir. Starting his sermon with a quote from the Lamentations of Jeremiah, the author includes the motives and intonations of lamentation in his essay, evaluating his era as “a time worthy of weeping”.

Keywords: tradition, Old Believers, Andrey Denisov, preaching, rhetoric, eschatology, Moscow – Third Rome.