The Paths of Distinctive Russian Thought: From the Classics of 19th- Century Russian Philosophy to the Present

This article is a review of the third issue of the scientific journal of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy “Russo- Byzantine Herald” for 2025. The issue is dedicated to the memory of an outstanding, original, but not so famous in life modern St. Petersburg philosopher, a continuer of the best traditions of the original Russian philosophy of the 19th century and a passionate researcher of Russian thought, one of the leading authors of the journal “Russo- Byzantine Herald” N. P. Ilyin (1947–2023). The collection also features articles dedicated to significant historical and philosophical anniversaries: the 115th anniversary of the death of Russian Slavophile philosopher General A. A. Kireev (1833–1910), the 100th anniversary of the death of his sister, writer and conservative public figure O. A. Novikova (née Kireeva, 1840–1925), and the 170th anniversary of the birth and 100th anniversary of the death of the unfairly forgotten Russian conservative philosopher, mathematician, poet, and publicist Baron M. F. Taube (1855–1924). The collection also includes a current perspective on geopolitics and a publication on the image and interpretation of Russian Kyiv in the work of leading conservative thinker and publicist M. N. Katkov (1818–1887). A number of materials traditionally explore the influence of the spiritual and historical legacy of Byzantium and its roots on Russian culture and thought throughout Russian history. It is emphasized that one of the key aspects of studying Russian thought is analyzing its impact on national identity. It is concluded that, in the context of globalization, it is important to preserve and develop our own intellectual traditions that reflect the unique characteristics of the Russian mentality and historical experience, the study of Russian thought, and its unique and sustainable innovative spirit.