The scholarly heritage of the prominent Russian filologist, cultural historian, Christian enlightener and humanist Sergei
S. Averintsev (1937–2004) is considered in line with the hermeneutic
tradition. A special attention is paid to some peculiar features of his
methodology and his scholarly language in particular. Averintsev’s
unique place in the post-soviet culture is concerned as well as the importance of his work for the future of humanities.