On the Little-Known Work of Deacon Fyodor Ivanov “On the Questioning of the Wicked Authorities” and Its Sources

Polemical and dogmatic writings of the first generation of opponents of church reform, begun by Patriarch Nikon, laid the foundation for the ideology of the socio-religious movement, called the Old Believers.Already at the initial stage of the confrontation, the defenders of the "old faith" tried to formulate their attitude to the current moment, as a time bringing the arrival of the antichrist in the world.At the same time, they appealed not only to the Holy Scriptures and patristic tradition, but also to the writings of Spiridon Potemkin, who was one of the first to oppose church reform.He introduced the doctrine of the antichrist and described the current moment as the fulfillment of the "last time" coming of the Apocalypse prophecy.This idea was supported and accepted by most opponents of church innovations.The eschatological teaching of the Old Believers was largely based on the eschatological constructions of Spiridon Potemkin.He introduced the doctrine of the antichrist and described the current moment as the fulfillment of the Apocalypse prophecy of the "last time" coming.This idea was supported and accepted by most opponents of church innovations.The eschatological teaching of the Old Believers was largely based on the eschatological constructions of Spiridon Potemkin.The views of Spiridon Potemkin had a huge impact on the views of Deacon.Soon after the Council, on the basis of "Prayer with a Question..." Deacon Fedor wrote the message "On the Questioning of the Wicked Authorities", addressing it to his like-minded people.It was placed by the monk Avraamii in the "Christian Secure Shield of Faith" as the 21st chapter.It seems relevant to clarify the connection between the two texts and publish a little-known essay by Deacon Fedor "On the Questioning of the Wicked Authorities," since it shows more clearly not only the author's view of the time being experienced, but already in the title of the message an anti-government orientation is visible.In the preface to the publication, a comparative analysis of the texts was given and a conclusion was made about their great textual proximity, fragments of the literal inclusion in the message of the text "Prayers with a question...".It is noted that a significant difference lies in the fact that the author pointed out the most important changes made by the reformers in liturgical practice and rite, as well as in the final message of a bold rebuke to the authorities.