The events of 1812 in the comprehension of Russian writers and St. Theophan the Recluse

The article analyzes works of the Russian literature classics and about sermons of St. Theophan the Recluse covering the topic of 1812, which became the time of the true self-knowledge for the Russian people. By the will of Providence Russia was carried through the purgatorial suffering for salvation. Being enthusiastic about western education, contemporaries thoughtlessly sacrificed themselves in voluntary spiritual captivity of those terrible events have finally turned to faith, repentance and prayer. Lessons of 1812 that became a matter of thought for both the Orthodox pastors, and for Russian writers, will forever remain poignant reminder for the descendants.