Modern "tsarebozhie": the history of the semiosphere and the categorial semiotics of concepts

This article is devoted to the analysis of the semiotic characteristics of the modern tendencies of deification of the emperor, which are represented on the marginal field of Orthodox Russian society. The sources of the research are original liturgical and narrative texts, popular among the analyzed subculture. Authors define and analyze semiotic chains that allow uniting different concepts related to this cult and ensuring its stability. Also, interdisciplinary connections and relations are analyzed that allow one to correlate this exotic cult of Nicholas II with other non-canonical cults and include it in the quasi-New Testament context. The importance of the mythology of the universal sin of the betrayal of the Tsar and the need for nationwide repentance, so important to the cult under analysis, is especially considered. The image of Emperor Nicholas II is currently being actively mythologized by supporters of various quasi-historical concepts. Thus, the formation of the concept of “esoteric history” is taking place, suggesting the existence of a special secret meaning in the dynamics of social processes. Historical reliability is sacrificed to the ideological myth. The mythological concepts of the «Tsar-Redeemer», «common sin», «conspiracy of the Jews», «antichrist's predecessor» acquire an ominous reality that can influence the worldview of people with unstable psyche.