The book is dedicated to the turning points of Russian history of the XIV - early XVII centuries - from the Battle of Kulikovo to the period of the Troubles. It explores the role of the clergy in these events, reveals the relationship between secular power and church. Choosing a biographical genre, the author gives vivid biographies of prominent church figures in Russia. The book belongs to the pen of the famous historian R.G. Skrynnikov, author of the books "Ivan the Terrible," "Boris Godunov," "Minin and Pozharsky," "Mirage," etc. The book is designed for the widest range of readers. In the center of the historical story is Sergius of Radonezh - an associate of Dmitry Donskoy, the tragic figure of Metropolitan Philip Kolychev, the first Russian patriarch Job, overthrown by the impostor False Dmitry I, Patriarch Germogen, who died during the Troubles - the first civil war, and many others.