A leading exponent of the Russian national idea. To the 140th anniversary of the birth of Ivan Aleksandrovich Ilyin (1883-1954). Materials of the round table of the SPbTA scientific project “Byzantine cabinet”

Abstracts and texts of reports directly presented at the online round table “The Leading Exponents of the Russian National Idea” held on April 4, 2023 at the St. Petersburg Theological Academy are published. To the 140th anniversary of the birth of Ivan Aleksandrovich Ilyin (1883-1954)” and later sent to the editorial office of the “Russian- Byzantine Bulletin”. It is emphasized that Ivan Ilyin and his legacy to this day are at the forefront of the struggle for national identity in the broadest sense of these words. It is shown that in his works the thinker emphasized the spiritual meaning of the existence of Russia and Russian culture, outlined the paths of spiritual activity in philosophy, art, science, and law. The project of the future Russian philosophy proposed by him is considered - an integral part of the project of the revival of Russia. Special attention is paid to Ilyin’s interpretation of the concept of “Russian idea” as a synthesis of the monarchy, national identity and Orthodox faith, as well as his analysis of the historical experience of Imperial Russia. Narrower issues are touched upon - Byzantism and the Byzantine monarchy in the understanding of Ilyin, his views on the personality and work of N. V. Gogol, his relationship with one of the patriotic organizations of the Russians Abroad - the Brotherhood of Russian Truth, etc. An appeal of modern Russian scientists to the legacy of I. A. Ilyin is aimed at restoring the historical memory of our great compatriot and is intended to make a new contribution to the formation of the distinctive character of Orthodox Russia.