The last Platonist: biography of archpriest Alexander Mikhailovich Ivantsov-Platonov

This article reconstructs the biography and academic and social activities of Archpriest Alexander Mikhailovich Ivantsov-Platonov, one of the most signifi cant representatives of the Russian Church history in the second half of the 19th century. Despite Ivantsov-Platonov’s signifi cant infl uence on the development of university teaching in church history and theological thought, his biography has not been a topic of a comprehensive study. Based on a wide range of sources, including archival records, obituaries, memoirs of contemporaries, journalism, and scientifi c works, the article traces the main stages of his life. Special attention is paid to the intellectual evolution of the scholar, his relations with the Slavophiles, his role in the rapprochement of church and secular science, and his methodological diff erences with representatives of theological- academic historiography. The article highlights the signifi cance of Ivantsov- Platonov as an educator, promoter of church history, and author of fundamental studies on the history of early Christianity. The article argues that Ivantsov-Platonov was a “last Platonist”, a thinker who sought to synthesise faith and scientifi c knowledge and had a signifi cant impact on the intellectual culture of pre-revolutionary Russia.