Some results and prospects in the study of the old believers

The article characterizes the approaches to the study of Old Belief which will enable to find an explanation of its centuries-old existence in opposition to the official church, as well as its appeal for ordinary people. The relevance of the topic is due to the need not only to complement, but also to deepen our understanding of the schism in the Russian Orthodox Church, the genesis of the opposition and successful actions against the reform of Patriarch Nikon, as well as its rapid transformation into a broad religious and social movement. The article focuses on the works of modern researchers studying the creative legacy of Sergius Shelonin. This led to the conclusion about the potential of expanding the set of sources for the study of the Old Believers. The works of E. M. Yukhimenko also convinced us that the expansion of the set of sources, academic publishing of texts written by the Old Believers, and their analysis using modern interdisciplinary approaches would be very promising. This approach makes it possible to estimate, if not explain, more objectively the amazing ability of this religious and social movement to adapt to changing conditions of life and to preserve the attractiveness of the propagated ideas not only for its adherents, but also for new members.