Mitrofan Vasilevich Lodyzhenskii (1852-1917) was a leading civil servant in Imperial Russia in the latter half of the 19th century. Rising to the rank of vice-governor in several regions, he was awarded several Imperial orders for his service. After retirement, Lodyzhenskii turned his attention to literary work, focusing on the relationship of esoteric philosophy with Christianity. Having spent time in both India and Japan, Lodyzhenskii's interests touched on Hindu philosophy, yoga, Theosophy, hypnotism, and science. He was in contact with Tolstoy, A. L. Volynskii, and the occultist P. D. Uspenskii. His book Light Invisible is a witness to his return to Orthodox faith and life.