Khristos i Antikhrist

work by Merezhkovsky

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June 30, 2026

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Dmitry Merezhkovsky's Khristos i Antikhrist (Christ and Antichrist) is a trilogy of historical novels published between 1896 and 1905. This work is significant for reviving the historical novel genre in Russia. The trilogy uses widely separated historical periods and locations to explore Merezhkovsky's theological and historical ideas.1

The concept of the Antichrist, as detailed in Christian tradition, refers to an ultimate enemy of Christ who will reign before the Last Judgment. This figure is derived from Jewish traditions, notably The Book of Daniel. Early Christians applied this concept to persecutors like Roman emperors, and later interpretations have varied, sometimes viewing the Antichrist as a collective entity or institution rather than a single individual.2

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Dmitry Sergeyevich Merezhkovsky
With his trilogy Khristos i Antikhrist (1896–1905; “Christ and Antichrist”), Merezhkovsky revived the historical novel in Russia. Its three parts, set in widely separated epochs and geographical areas, reveal historical erudition and serve as vehicles for the author’s historical and theological ideas. Another group of fictional works from…
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With his trilogy Khristos i Antikhrist (1896–1905; “Christ and Antichrist”), Merezhkovsky revived the historical novel in Russia. Its three parts, set in widely separated epochs and geographical areas, reveal historical erudition and serve as vehicles for the author’s historical and theological ideas. Another group of fictional works from…
Read More