Moralising in Dimitri Rostovsky’s Works (from The Dewy Fleece to The Cell Chronicle)

The author of this article proposes to consider moralising in Dimitry Rostovsky’s work as a separate narrative, which has certain set genre characteristics. Many sermons delivered by Metropolitan can be analysed not only from the point view glorifying church holiday or an Orthodox saint but also standpoint writings aimed at educating and raising moral level both flock pastors. especially highlights two epistles addressed priests dedicated sacraments Confession Eucharist, Rostovsky acts true spiritual teacher. These instructive literary epistles, type Slavic bookish rhetoric, are similar style metropolitan’s sermons, carry much more pronounced moralistic load. Apology for Soothing Sorrows Man Who Is Trouble, Persecution, Bitterness… (1696) belongs its apology is close moralising. Starting with first works Rostovsky, such Miracle Most Holy Blessed Virgin Mary (1677) Dewy Fleece (1683) ending Cell Chronicle (1707–1709), becomes special narrative (sometimes marked, Miracles… Fleece). Their content explanation causes human sins, call through repentance virtuous life, glorification blessings Lord. clear internal structure form small texts that interpret miracles presenting quotes images borrowed Scripture holy fathers, they occupy important place composition early books, turning into kind epiphonema each miracle. was created same way. Along presentation biblical history interpretation, integral part work. However, instructions concerned general Christian topics, were occasional; reflecting circumstances everyday found Statir collection Urals late seventeenth century.