Saint against the Lion. John of Kronstadt and Leo Tolstoy: The Story of One Enmity

At the turn of the 19th-20th centuries, there were two places of mass pilgrimage in Russia - Yasnaya Polyana and Kronstadt. Why did crowds of people go specifically to Leo Tolstoy and Father John of Kronstadt? Pavel Basinsky in his book Saint against the Lion traces the history of the relationship between the most famous writer and the most beloved priest of the time, who became bitter enemies. - Tell me, who do you find to be the most remarkable and popular people in Russia? - the sovereign asked. - First of all, Leo Tolstoy... - I expected that. And then? - I will name one more person. - But who? - Father John of Kronstadt. The sovereign laughed and replied: - I didn’t remember that. But I agree with you. Pavel Basinsky is a writer, journalist, and literary critic. He is a laureate of the “Big Book” award. His captivating documentary research on the life and works of Leo Tolstoy has sparked a new wave of interest in the phenomenon of the “Yasna Polyana apostle.” “Saint against the Lion” continues the series “Tolstoy: A New Perspective,” which began with the book “The Real Story of Anna Karenina.”