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Nicholas Roerich

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The Roerichs had two sons: George Roerich (Yuri Nikolaivitch Rerikh), a Tibetologist (1902-1960); and Svetolslav Roerich, an artist (1904-1993).
 
==Doctrinal differences with Orthodox Christianity==
 
The theology of the Roerich movement is basically similar to that of the Theosophical Society (founded 1875), which presents itself as a set of doctrines revealed to [[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky]] and others, from the aforementioned Brotherhood of Adepts. These describe the spiritual evolution of the universe and humanity, in symbolic language drawn from Eastern religions as well as Western esoteric lore. Not only were the Roerichs sometime members of the Theosophical Society, but the Agni Yoga books specifically endorse Mme. Blavatsky's writings, one of which (''The Secret Doctrine'') was translated into Russian by Helena Roerich.
 
One key difference is that of spiritual authority. Orthodoxy acknowledges a Tradition which includes the Bible along with the writings of the Church Fathers and other saints, and which continues to be available through the Church. While the Agni Yoga writings do express admiration for certain aspects of Orthodoxy (the Philokalia, Saint Sergius), these are found separated from the framework of the Church, and incorporated alongside various Eastern religious beliefs into a new superstructure. According to Agni Yoga, the Russian Church is largely corrupt, and no longer offers spiritual solace.
 
Based on these divergent sources of authority, Agni Yoga and Orthodox Christianity propose radically different theologies. To begin with, Agni Yoga (like Theosophy) affirms the truth of reincarnation, and proposes this to have "originally" (before Origen) been taught by the Church. And where Orthodoxy affirms the centrality and uniqueness of Jesus Christ, Agni Yoga (like Theosophy before it) views Jesus merely as one member of the hierarchy of Masters or Mahatmas. Like Buddha, his putative colleague, Jesus evolved over the course of many lifetimes in order to reach his present station, which we too may ultimately attain.
 
==Relations with the Orthodox Church==
==Sources==
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