“MOSCOW IS THE THIRD ROME” AS AN ARCHETYPE OF RUSSIAN ORTHODOX IDENTITY

Abstract

The aim of this study was to consider the concept of Moscow is the Third Rome in relation to the genesis of Russian civilization. To this end, the conventional methods of historical research were used, along with the methodology of the theories of civilizations, development of ideal systems, national archetypes. I reconstruct the main components of the Moscow is the Third Rome theory and contextualize it within different periods of Russian and global history. This theory is believed to be a semantic basis for Messianic ideas about a special role and importance of Russia in world history, being an archetype of Russian national identity. The theoretical relevance of the present study is the contribution to introducing a new concept of Russian historiosophy, based on the tradition of Russian national historical reflection.