Different orientation of the socio-economic ethics of orthodoxy in the dispute between the “possessors” and “non-possessors” (XV-XVI cc.)

The article analyzes two different orientations of the socio-economic ethics of Orthodoxy, reflected in the dispute between the followers of Joseph Volotsky - the “Posessors” and the adherents of Nilus of Sora - the “Non-posessors”, which showed two opposing views on economic activity and the material welfare of the individual and actualized the specific range of issues: is it permissible for the Church to own property and receive income from it; whether it is possible for monasteries to engage in economic and business transactions with the land and strive for wealth; whether active rearrangement of earthly existence and charity can be an excuse for wealth. The article concludes that there is potential in Orthodox religion to form moral and spiritual incentives for human economic activity and that the two different practical ideals of Christian life can be realized.