Filippov Mikhail Avraamovich (1828–1886) - lawyer, publicist and writer. Born in Nikolaev. He was educated at the Richelieu Lyceum, from where he transferred to the Faculty of Law of St. Petersburg University. After completing the course with a candidate of laws degree, Filippov devoted himself to legal and journal activities, publishing articles on legal issues in periodicals, most of which were included in his most significant work, the two-volume “Judicial Reform in Russia” (1872–1875). In addition, Filippov wrote the novels “The Mourners” (which was withdrawn from circulation), “Dawn” and “Patriarch Nikon”, as well as the historical story “Under the Sky of Ukraine”. The second volume presents the second book of the novel, in which Nikon appears not only as a patriarch, but also as a major political figure, founder and builder of monasteries, and reformer of the Church. His integrity and intransigence lead to a church schism, and two patriarchs are established on the throne, one of whom rules, and the second - Nikon - falls into disgrace.