Spiritual transformation of hero in Russian classical literature

The article reviews spiritual essence of Russian classical literature, influence of Orthodox ideas on the foundations of Russian worldview and the work of classic writers. The system of values in the works by Alexander Pushkin, Nikolay Gogol, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Nikolay Leskov, Lev Tolstoy, Anton Chekhov is based on the Orthodox view of man. Their heroes, through suffering, repentance, love, are looking for a way to save their own soul. Such is Dostoevsky's novel «Crime and Punishment». Such is Chekhov’s «Student» story which is based on a biblical motive about Peter’s treachery of Jesus Christ, repentance and salvation. As a disciple of Christ, comprehending the divine wisdom of the parable, Ivan the Great finds peace of mind and sees the saving light ahead.