Focusing on the concept of human dignity, the article compares the views of Eastern Orthodox theology and “western” approaches with further distinction between secular, generally neutral models, and Christian theology. Analysis of Eastern Orthodox theology, of the idea of theosis (deification) in particular, shows that theological foundations of “human dignity” in East and West are often closer to each other than it is usually assumed. Consequently, the actual borderline apparently runs not so much between East and West, but rather between secular and religious approaches.

The article examines the development of a particular “theology of power” in Russia in the 14-16th centuries, which became a foundation of the Russian ideology of monarchical rule. It explores a specific relationship between the Russian church and state as expressed in Ivan the Terrible’s theological views. It then discusses several inner conflicts and alternative theological viewpoints on the phenomenon of Tsar’s power in the medieval Russia. It goes further with detailed analysis of how this “theology of power” affected the country’s later socio-cultural history.