Introduction. Modern scientists have repeatedly drawn attention to the fact that in the artistic heritage of F. M. Dostoevsky anticipates discoveries in various fields of knowledge: psychology, psychiatry, law, sociology, and so on. Dostoevsky’s artistic “discoveries” also extend to such a hitherto little-studied area of knowledge as sectology (knowledge about cults). The purpose of the study is to consider the signs of cult dependence in “The village of Stepanchikovo and its inhabitants”, as well as the nature of the power of Foma Opiskin and the methods of establishing his cult. The research material is the novel by F. M. Dostoevsky “The village of Stepanchikovo and its inhabitants”. An interdisciplinary approach was chosen as the main research method, allowing one to apply to research not only in the field of philology, but also in other areas of scientific knowledge, and cultural-historical and comparative methods were also used. Research results. Based on the analyzed sources and their correlation with Dostoevsky’s novel, it is concluded that in “The village of Stepanchikovo…” the signs of a sect identified as a “small personal cult” are accurately depicted, as well as the ways of manipulating religious and other feelings for the formation of cult dependence are correctly “predicted”, which are highlighted and systematized by scientists only in our days. In order to keep Colonel Rostanev's house in his power, Foma uses such manipulation techniques as abandoning the past, influencing religious feelings, instilling feelings of guilt, and regulating appearance. Conclusion. Having examined the theme of the cult and cult addiction (dependence) in “The village of Stepanchikovo...”, we can come to the conclusion about the anthropological discovery of Dostoevsky made in this novel: anyone can become a victim of a sect and a sectarian leader, and neither wealth, nor poverty, nor happiness, neither misfortune, nor the presence or absence of a family can prevent this.