Attitude of N. A. Berdyaev and I. A. Ilyin towards the Russian Orthodox Church

The article analyses peculiarities of the attitude of two major philosophers of their time - N. A. Berdyaev (1874-1948) and I. A. Ilyin (1883-1954) - to the Russian Orthodox Church. The aim of the study is to provide arguments in favour of the Orthodox nature of the personal beliefs of both thinkers, despite the criticism of certain aspects of their views by some researchers. It is shown that both philosophers participated in the life and holy sacraments of the Church, as evidenced by the memoirs of Archpriest Alexei Mechev, spiritual mentor of N. A. Berdyaev, and Metropolitan Anastasius (Gribanovsky) and Father John (Shakhovsky), spiritual mentors of I. A. Ilyin. The opinion that N. A. Berdyaev rejected the dogmatic teaching of the Orthodox Church is refuted. The criticism of certain problems of the life of the Church by both thinkers is analyzed. N. A. Berdyaev’s criticism concerns the loss of the spirit of freedom and creativity; rapprochement with the government; institutionalisation of the Church, which obscures its universal character. I. A. Ilyin’s criticism concerns primarily the loss of the depth of religious experience by Orthodox clergy and their flock.