The Image of Saint Sergius of Radonezh in Saints’ Lives and Literature
https://doi.org/10.28995/2686-7249-2021-1-184-196
Abstract
The paper studies the image of Saint Sergius of Radonezh as depicted in the saints’ lives (written by Epiphanius the Wise, Pachomius Logothetes, and Archbishop Nikon Rozhdestvensky) and in 20th century literature (Boris Zaytsev’s essay ‘The Life of Saint Sergius’ and Ivan Shmelev’s short story ‘Kulikovo Field’). The main difference between the depictions of Sergius in the saints’ lives as opposed to the modern accounts lies in the authors’ historical perspective. The main goal of Epiphanius the Wise is to paint a detailed picture of the spiritual countenance of Sergius, his teacher and contemporary, while Archbishop Nikon focuses on the saint’s historical context. In contrast, Zaytsev takes a particular interest in Sergius’ personality and its ‘human’ manifestations; in parallels with his own life and time; and in moral lessons taught to us by Sergius’ life. In Shmelev’s short story, Sergius’ miraculous appearance in 1925 serves as an inspiring symbol of the inner unity of history and eternity. With peace and light he brings, Sergius counteracts the darkness and madness of life after the Revolution. For Zaytsev and Shmelev, Saint Sergius of Radonezh was a beacon that illuminated the difficult worldly life of contemporary man and directed him towards his main goal, salvation.
About the Author
A. V. Toporova
A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences;
Russian State University for the Humanities
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Anna V. Toporova, Dr. of Sci. (Philology), associate professor
bld. 25a, Povarskaya Street, Moscow, 121069;
bld. 6, Miusskaya Square, Moscow, 125993
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Review
For citations:
Toporova A.V. The Image of Saint Sergius of Radonezh in Saints’ Lives and Literature. RSUH/RGGU Bulletin: “Literary Teory. Linguistics. Cultural Studies”, Series. 2021;(1-2):184-196. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.28995/2686-7249-2021-1-184-196
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