Abstract
Apocalyptic expectations represent an important part of Christianity and go through the whole history of Christian religion. During certain historical periods, however, they get much more intense, having a significant influence on literature, art, thought etc.
The Time of Troubles gives us an example of such a period in Russian history. In early 17th century, Muskovite Russia had to face a large crisis, which affected the society at all levels, including its spiritual and religious life.
The texts dating back to this period reveal a considerable increase in eschatological content, such as different apparitions, portents and apocalyptic scenarios. Muscovite religious and historical thought had always been eschatologically based in its way.
However in the texts of the Time of Troubles abstract apocalyptic motives were applied to real historical events and were associated with real people (False Dmitry and antichrist, punishment for sins, images of the Last Judgment and so on). Moreover, this application has a regular and systematic character in texts of different genres.
The purpose of this paper is to define and to systemize general eschatological topics, which are typical for the analyzed texts. Using systematical approach, I would also try to determine the role of these concepts in the genesis of Muscovite religious and historical thought.