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The article describes the essence of apophatic (negation of characteristics) and aphaeretic (abstraction from characteristics) methods used in negative theology. The author provides a historical background of the development of such methods within philosophical and theological works of Western and Eastern thinkers including non-Christian ones. The author notes inappropriate and erroneous use of the methods of inquiry developed in the field of negative theology by Western Protestant thinkers of the 20th century (K. Bart, D. Bonhoeffer, S. McFague, W. Oelmüller). The author analyzes the possibility of theological discourse based on apophatic and aphaeretic methods as a possibility or impossibility of staying within the framework of theological discourse. In addition, the authors analyses the positions of parties of Palamite debates of the 14th century (Saint Gregory Palamas and Barlaam of Calabria) and stresses out their particular importance as a pivotal point in divergence of Western and Eastern epistemological stances on the concept of knowability or unknowability of God.

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The article is devoted to the analysis of the metaphysical basis of the phenomenon of non-confessional religiosity. It is revealed that a possible historical and, as a consequence, metaphysical basis for the emergence of the studied non- religious phenomenon can be the historical and logical sequence of formation of the following philosophical and theological ideas: the «death of God» as a philosophical concept and a speculative possibility of the existential existence of man without God; Bonhoeffer's «Non-religious Christianity» as a manifested historical and religious stage of humanity's achievement of «coming of age», which in turn is an ontological gap between the existential world of the individual and the religious, according to Bonhoeffer, so-called «otherworldly» faith; and, as a result, non-confessionalism, which in the author's reflection represents the absolutization of human verification of any religious (pseudo-religious) experience, which in essence puts non-institutionality on a par with esotericism. Thus, the analyzed phenomenon does not have a dogmatic understanding of the questions of Truth, losing connection with the truly religious meaning.

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This article presents a comprehensive study of the material support system for priests and Levites during the Old Testament period. It demonstrates that this system was not simply a payment mechanism, but a deeply thought-out theological and economic model rooted in the idea of holiness and the Covenant between God and the people of Israel. The system is based on the principle set forth in Deuteronomy (18:1–2): the tribe of Levi did not receive a land allotment like the other tribes, since God Himself became their «lot». This was not a derogation, but an elevation of status, signifying complete dependence on God’s provision through the people.

All sources of the priesthood support are classified: sacrifices, fruits of the land (firstfruits and heave offerings), the tithing system, the redemption of firstborn, and other sources. It is concluded that the Old Testament model of provision was a holistic system, demonstrating the principle of total dedication to service and God’s responsibility for providing for His servants.

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The subject of this study is the hermeneutic method of S.S. Averintsev. The author attempts to formulate the basic principles of the method. It is suggested that the originality and uniqueness of the hermeneutic method of S.S. Averintsev is directly related to the influence of the patristic heritage, primarily the ascetic writings of St. Gregory the Theologian and St. Ephraim the Syrian, who described in their works the experience of mystical knowledge of God.

Of particular importance in the analysis of the hermeneutic method of S.S. Averintsev is the textual analysis of his poem «Annunciation», which is not only a remarkable work of poetic character, but also represents in the person of the Most Holy Theotokos the path of external ascetic work. Having described in this way the miracle of the transmission of the Good News to the Virgin Mary, S.S. Averintsev depicted the path of mystical knowledge according to the patristic scheme κάθαρσις (purification) — φωτισμός (enlightenment) — τελείωσις (completion), revealing it from the position of a 20th century author.

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The article immerses the reader in a deep and multifaceted study of the concept of humility, starting from its ancient roots and ending with modern interpretations. It reveals that in antiquity humility was perceived as humiliation, while in Christianity it is one of the highest virtues, opening the way to God and spiritual gifts. The influence of philosophers on the understanding of this virtue is also analyzed. The researcher can see that humility has nothing to do with weakness, but, on the contrary, it becomes the basis of spiritual growth for the humble, through reinforcing the strength of the Spirit and timely self-sacrifice, which makes the article in demand for private and public study. After all, it can help to understand the true essence of the virtue of humility, deepen its understanding, and at the same time inspire personal reflection on the importance of spiritual self-improvement.

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This article presents a study of the evolution of the concept of war in Scripture. It demonstrates that the biblical understanding of war is not a static or unified doctrine, but a dynamic and evolving theological concept that undergoes a fundamental transformation from the Old Testament to the New Testament. War is understood not as a political or economic instrument, but primarily as a theological act. The main protagonist is God Himself as the Supreme Warrior, who fights for His people. The central concept is «herem» (exorcism) — the complete destruction of the enemy and their property as a sacrifice to God. It is emphasized that this was not genocide in the modern sense, but a ritual act of purification aimed at protecting Israel from idolatry.

War was regulated and limited by the Law. Ethical and humane precepts unique to the ancient world are noted. A solution is proposed to the apparent contradiction between the brutality of the Old Testament wars and the pacifism of the Sermon on the Mount. The New Testament does not negate the Old Testament, but rather represents its culmination and transformation. The Old Testament narratives are part of God’s revelation in a specific historical context, preparing the coming of Christ.

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This article presents a comprehensive study of slavery as a key socioeconomic institution in the Ancient Near East. It emphasizes that slavery in this region was complex and multifaceted, differing significantly from later forms known in the classical or modern worlds. The study covers the period from the 25th to the 1st centuries BC — when the area became completely dependent on the conquerors. The geographic focus includes the Fertile Crescent region: Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Syria, Palestine, and Egypt.

The main routes into slavery are described: military captivity, debt bondage, birth to a slave, trade, kidnapping, and punishment for a crime. It is shown that the term «slave» had a broad meaning, encompassing those socially subordinated. Slaves were not simply «things» — their rights, although limited, were to some extent protected by law. The focus is on analyzing ancient legislation, which reveals the evolution of attitude toward slaves. It is noted that the institution of slavery was not static and changed over time.

Old Testament legislation inherited many features of the Near Eastern tradition but added unique theological and humane adjustments. The New Testament, while not directly abolishing slavery, laid down ethical principles (spiritual equality, human dignity) that subsequently contributed to its abolition.

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The Church Slavonic language is traditionally the main language of worship of the Russian Orthodox Church and is currently used not only in Russia, but also in other countries with the Orthodox tradition, primarily inhabited by Slavs. Despite its spiritual and cultural significance, the current reality reveals that a significant number of parishioners face difficulties in understanding prayers and hymns, which obviously hinders the ability to understand worship deeply.

This report aims to explore the traditions of using the Church Slavonic language, as well as the existing challenges and issues associated with its comprehension. By analyzing the situation, we will identify the need to find ways to increase the accessibility and understanding of worship services, which in turn will contribute to a deeper immersion in the spirituality and traditions of the Church. The use of Church Slavonic in worship is not just a tradition, but an important element of cultural and spiritual identity. The preservation and development of this language is necessary to maintain traditions and pass on the spiritual heritage to future generations. It is important to find a balance between traditions and modern realities in order to make worship accessible and understandable for all believers.

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The article examines the Ukrainian Church crisis as a result of active government intervention in the affairs of the Church. The author analyzes the legal, canonical and social aspects of the creation of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) and the consequences of this process for traditional faiths, especially for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).

The facts of administrative pressure, violent seizures of churches, restrictions on religious freedom and the international reaction to these events are considered. Special attention is paid to the theological understanding of the schism and possible ways to overcome it. The article emphasizes the need to restore the principle of secularism of the state, protect the rights of religious minorities and resume dialogue within the Сhurch space.

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The article analyzes the features of the representation of Christianity in modern cinema. The main directions of religious themes development in foreign biblical adaptations, parable and allegorical films, as well as in domestic films created with the support of the Russian Orthodox Church are considered. Special attention is paid to the cultural, educational and missionary role of the International Charity Film Festival «Radiant Angel» as an institution for the promotion of spiritual and moral cinema.

The study raises the question of the relationship between the artistic form and the preaching function of cinema, the criteria of «good cinema» and its impact on the audience. Based on the analysis of the statements of clergymen and film critics, three main trends of the appeal of modern cinema to the Christian theme are revealed. In conclusion, it is stated that Christianity retains a stable presence in cinematic discourse, transforming into new forms of artistic expression and continuing to act as a source of meaningful values.

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Throughout the history of the national cinematography, the image of a clergyman in films has undergone significant changes. During the Soviet Union period, priests were portrayed as conservative and backward characters. However, after the collapse of the USSR, this point of view began to change. In modern Russian cinema, the image of a clergyman ceases to be stereotypical and idealized. It becomes more realistic and humane, reflecting the uniqueness of each individual and the variety of internal conflicts of priests. Thus, it is precisely the versatility and inconsistency of the priest's image that will allow viewers to better understand the issues of faith, religion and modern church life. In this context, the study of the image of a clergyman in modern Russian cinema is particularly relevant.

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The topic of patriotism is currently extremely relevant not only in comprehensive schools (talks about important things, raising the flag of the Russian Federation at the beginning of the school week), but also in Sunday schools operating at churches. Orthodox teachers have always made efforts to ensure that the younger generation receives not only knowledge in the field of spiritual disciplines in Sunday school classes, but also the basics of patriotism, which requires turning to the rich experience of past centuries.

In the history of our Fatherland there are many examples of historical figures who combined a strong faith in God and love for their homeland — the Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir, the faithful princes Alexander Nevsky and Dmitry Donskoy, patriarchs Job and Hermogenes — in different years selflessly served God and people. The study of their lives and exploits is a priority task in a Sunday school, which, in addition to the general educational focus, is closely connected with the theme of patriotism. The Church calls to imitate the feat of these people — both military and spiritual. This article is devoted to the study of the forms and methods used in educating the basics of patriotism in the younger generation.

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