"The Great War for Liberation": Reflections of Hieromartyr Hilarion (Troitsky) on the First World War

Abstract

The article is devoted to the reflections of Hieromartyr Hilarion (Troitsky) on the First World War, its spiritual and historical significance. The saint considers the war as «liberating», revealing its potential influence on the political, spiritual, ecclesiastical and theological spheres. The work shows that for Bishop Hilarion the war becomes an impetus to overcome Western influence both in the political arena and in spiritual and church life. It is perceived as an opportunity for the revival of Russian self-awareness, a change in the views of the Russian intelligentsia on Western values ​​and Orthodoxy, as well as the restoration of the freedom of the Russian Church and the patriarchate as a key element of church life. The ecclesiological position of Bishop Hilarion is emphasized, according to which the Church is an integral part of the Russian spiritual revival.