«ANGELIC HYMN» AS AN EXAMPLE OF COPTIC HYMNOGRAPHY

The article is devoted to the philological analysis of poetic passage from apocrypha «The Investiture Archangel Michael», which wasto be read on feast day in honour Archistratigus. Coptic hymnography, although derived Greek, has become distinctive; several collections ancient hymns are known. peculiarity so-called «angelic hymn» fact that it not included any collection, but a literary text. provides first Russian translation this hymn. It differs style entire narrative Investiture». sung by Michael himself with angels. hymn framed references righteous and consists eight stanzas. It, like text itself, preserved three versions, two Sahidic dialect (manuscripts 9th century) one Fayymic 9th-11th centuries). Anaphora, lexical repetition parallelism used versions identify following themes: feast, meal mercy. Analyzing structure hymn, can conclude was all versions. However, study themes devices involved shows each version accents set an original way. inner link between parts traced. itself also logically integrated into overall narrative. main distinguishing feature some phrases so brief listener left great deal room for interpretation conjecture. For more accurate understanding necessary either know other or refer stories stresses importance singing. suggests congregation participated singing during reading day.