Ascetism and eldership (staretstvo) as a phenomenon of spiritual culture of Ukraine in the XVIII century Cover Image

Аскетизм та старецтво як явища духовної культури України XVIII століття
Ascetism and eldership (staretstvo) as a phenomenon of spiritual culture of Ukraine in the XVIII century

Author(s): Anna Brychka
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Customs / Folklore, 18th Century, 19th Century
Published by: Національна академія керівних кадрів культури і мистецтв
Keywords: asceticism; spiritual culture; hesychasm; eldership (staretstvo); Paisius Velichkovsky;

Summary/Abstract: Purpose of the article The purpose of the work is to research the phenomenon of asceticism and eldership (staretstvo) in the context of the spiritual culture of Ukraine in the XVIII century. The methodology includes the historical method that was used to examine the general state of Ukrainian monasticism of the XVIII century, the hermeneutic method for the study of religious texts and the biographical method, since a specific person is studied – Paisius Velichkovsky. The scientific novelty of the work is obvious, because eldership (staretstvo) of Ukraine in the XVIII century have special features that distinguish it from both the Western and Eastern traditions of Christian austerity and the transfer of spiritual experience. Conclusions indicate that the eldership (staretstvo) is a rare cultural phenomenon that originated in the depths of the monastic culture, but did not have a clear definition, no boundaries, or a certain social status. Being the spiritual guide of a recognized ascetic monk with a certain spiritual experience, eldership (staretstvo) takes on the character of spiritual treatment, a radical restructuring of the spiritual structure of the novice disciple. Through the activities of the outstanding Ukrainian ascetic Paisius Velichkovsky until the XIX century obedience as an ascetic feat became the central point in Ukrainian monasticism.

  • Issue Year: 2018
  • Issue No: 11
  • Page Range: 53-58
  • Page Count: 6
  • Language: Ukrainian