Section I. Theology
The Prologue of the Gospel of John on the Divinity of Jesus Christ
Reference to the article:
Polokhov D., archpriest. The Prologue of the Gospel of John on the Divinity of Jesus Christ // Proceedings of the Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary. 2025. No. 4 (31). pp. 13–39. DOI: 10.56621/27825884_2025_31_13
Abstract
This article presents an extensive apologetic study of the prologue to the Gospel of John (John 1:1–18), aimed at defending the doctrine of the divinity of Jesus Christ. Drawing on philological and historical-critical arguments, it refutes the most common antiTrinitarian arguments (Unitarians, Jehovah's Witnesses*, and Muslims) that challenge the Orthodox understanding of this passage and deny the divinity of Jesus Christ.
The study draws on a wide range of modern sources—from biblical scholars (Craig Keener, Daniel Wallace, and Bart Ehrman) to textual and archaeological data. This paper analyzes the ancient Greek text in detail, examining Colwell's rule and its modern revisions (Wallace, Harner), demonstrating that the construction "καὶ θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος" ("and the Word was God") asserts not a qualitative characteristic, but rather the identity of the Word's nature with God the Father, despite the distinction of Persons. The Jewish, rather than Hellenistic, context of the concept of "Logos" (Memra) is emphasized, as is its connection to the Aramaic Targums and the literature of the Second Temple period.
Keywords:
References
Show list ▼1. Alekseev A.A. (2020) "Midrash v Novom Zavete: Ioann protiv sinoptikov" [Midrash in the New Testament: John versus the Synoptics]. Available at: https://vk.com/@i_biblicalstudies-midrash-v-novom-zavete-ioann-protiv-sinoptikov (10/01/2025). (In Russian).
2. Alfeyev G.V. (2018). "Yevangeliye ot Ioanna. Istoricheskiy i bogoslovskiy kommentariy" [The Gospel of John. A Historical and Theological Commentary]. Moscow. (In Russian).
3. Andreev A.V. (2015) "Diskussiya ob istorichnosti Iisusa Khrista v sovetskom religiovedenii" [Discussion of the Historicity of Jesus Christ in Soviet Religious Studies]. In: "Vestnik Pravoslavnogo Svyato-Tikhonovskogo gumanitarnogo universiteta. Seriya I: Bogosloviye. Filosofiya" [Bulletin of the Orthodox St. Tikhon's University for the Humanities. Series I: Theology. Philosophy]. Iss. 2 (58). pp. 73–88. (In Russian).
4. Bauckham R. (2008) Jesus and the Eyewitnesses. The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony. Grand Rapids (MI). (In English).
5. Bickman J., Kellow J. "Ne iskazhaya slova Bozhiya. Printsipy perevoda i semanticheskogo analiza Biblii" [Without Distorting the Word of God: Principles of Translation and Semantic Analysis of the Bible]. Available at: https://azbyka.ru/otechnik/Biblia/ne-iskazhaja-slovabozhija/14_13 (24/01/2025). (In Russian. Trans. from English).
6. Bird M.F. (2022) Jesus among the Gods. Early Christology in the Greco-Roman World. Waco. (In English).
7. Blass F., Debrunner A. (1984) Grammatik des neutestamentlichen Griechisch. Gottingen. (In German).
8. Breck J. (2004). "Khiazm v Svyashchennom Pisanii" [Chiasmus in Holy Scripture]. Moscow. (In Russian. Trans. from English).
9. Carson D.A. (1991) The Gospel According to John. Cambridge. (In English).
10. Dana H.E., Mantey J.R. (1967) A Manual Grammar of the Greek New Testament. N.Y. (In English).
11. Desnitsky A. (2007). "Poetika bibleyskogo parallelizma" [The Poetics of Biblical Parallelism]. Moscow. (In Russian).
12. Erman B. (2012) "A byl li Iisus? Neozhidannaya istoricheskaya pravda" [Did Jesus Exist? The Unexpected Historical Truth]. Moscow. (In Russian. Trans. from English).
13. Gondentius S. (2005) "Pisaniya Ioanna" [The Writings of John]. Moscow. (In Russian. Trans. from Polish).
14. Hartado L. (2016) "Personifitsirovannyye atributy Boga kak bozhestvennyye posredniki" [Personified Attributes of God as Divine Mediators]. In: "Nebesnyye Posredniki: Iudeyskiye istoki ranney khristologii" [Heavenly Mediators: Jewish Origins of Early Christology]. Moscow. (In Russian. Trans. from English).
15. Keener C.S. (2003) The Gospel of John. A commentary. Vols. 1–2. Massachusetts. (In English).
16. Keener K. (2005). "Bibleyskiy kul'turno-istoricheskiy kommentariy. Chast' 2. Novyy Zavet" [Biblical Cultural-Historical Commentary. Part 2. New Testament]. St. Petersburg. (In Russian. Trans. from English).
17. Macho A.D.(1968) Neofititargumpalestinense. Vol. 1. Genesis. Madrid; Barcelona. Available at: https://archive.org/details/neofiti1genesis/Neofiti%201%20-%20Génesis%20-%20Translation-English/page/n1/mode/2up (13/01/2025). (In Spanish).
18. Metzger B.M. and others. (1971) A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament. N.Y. (In English).
19. Metzger В.М. (1953) The Jehovah's Witnesses and Jesus Christ: A Biblical and Theological Appraisal. In: Theology Today. 1953. № 10/1 (April), pp. 65–85. (In English).
20. Morris L. (1995) "Teologiya Novogo Zaveta" [Theology of the New Testament]. St. Petersburg. (In Russian. Trans. from English).
21. Mounce W.D. (2011) "Osnovy bibleyskogo grecheskogo yazyka. Bazovyy kurs grammatiki" [Fundamentals of Biblical Greek. Basic Grammar]. St. Petersburg. (In Russian. Trans. from English).
22. Polokhov D. (2023) "O vliyanii khristianstva na yazychestvo v svete krakha mifologicheskoy teorii" [On the Influence of Christianity on Paganism in Light of the Collapse of Mythological Theory]. In: "Dvadtsatyye mezhregional'nyye Pimenovskiye chteniya. Global'nyye vyzovy sovremennosti i dukhovnyy vybor cheloveka" [The Twentieth Interregional Pimenov Readings. Global Challenges of Our Time and Human Spiritual Choice]. Saratov. pp. 176–187. (In Russian).
23. Polosin A.V. (2006) "Yevangeliye glazami musul'manina" [The Gospel through the Eyes of a Muslim]. Moscow. (In Russian).
24. Rogers K.L. jr., Rogers K.L. III. (2001) "Novyy lingvisticheskiy i ekzegeticheskiy klyuch k grecheskomu tekstu Novogo Zaveta" [A New Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek Text of the New Testament]. St. Petersburg. (In Russian. Trans. from English).
25. Santala R. (1996) "Messiya v Novom Zavete v svete ravvinisticheskikh pisaniy" [The Messiah in the New Testament in Light of Rabbinic Writings]. St. Petersburg. (In Russian. Trans. from English).
26. Tarasenko A. (2010) "Chetvertoye Yevangeliye i yego palestinskiy kontekst" [The Fourth Gospel and its Palestinian Context]. St. Petersburg. (In Russian).
27. Wallace D. (2007) "Uglublennyy kurs grammatiki grecheskogo yazyka. Ekzegeticheskiy sintaksis Novogo Zaveta" [Advanced Course in Greek Grammar. Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament]. Novosibirsk. (In Russian. Trans. from English).
28. Wright N.T. (2002) John for Everyone. Part 1. Chapters 1–10. London. (In English).
29. Yurevich D. (2016) "Vvedeniye v Novyy Zavet: ucheb. posobiye" [Introduction to the New Testament: A Textbook]. St. Petersburg. (In Russian).
Author information
Archpriest Dmitry Polokhov
Position: Candidate of Theology, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Theology, Vice-Rector for Scientific and Theological Work, Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary
Address: 92 Michurina str., Saratov, 410028, Russian Federation
Email: polokhov@mail.ru
ORCID: 0000-0001-6605-3461
J.G. Newman's Teaching on Dogmatic Development: Theological-Analytical Aspect
Reference to the article:
Longina (Petrova K.), nun. Ucheniye Dzh. G. N'yumena o dogmaticheskom razvitii: teologo-analiticheskiy aspekt [J.G. Newman's Teaching on Dogmatic Development: TheologicalAnalytical Aspect] // Trudy Saratovskoj Pravoslavnoj Duhovnoj Seminarii [Proceedings of the Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary]. 2025. No. 4(31). pp. 40–67. DOI: 10.56621/27825884_2025_31_40
Abstract
This work is an attempt at theological and analytical analysis of the methodological tools in theology using as an example the theory of dogmatic development by J. G. Newman. The central theme of the article is the study of the mechanism of doctrine development and the identification of the role of logical tools in theological research. For this purpose, the main principles of the theory of dogmatic development are briefly outlined, a categorical analysis of the main terms used by Newman is made, and special emphasis is placed on the fact that the theory of dogmatic development does not imply innovations that are not contained in Divine Revelation and does not allow distortion of Holy Tradition.
The role of logic as a criterion of internal consistency and a method of explication of doctrinal truths is analyzed in detail, and the concepts of implicit and explicit reason are considered. Considerable attention is paid to the influence of Newman's theory on the subsequent development of theological thought, and the reception of his theory among Orthodox thinkers. In conclusion, the article draws parallels between the theory of dogmatic development and the patristic tradition. The work also concludes on the fundamental compatibility of the logical-analytical aspects of Newman's theory with Orthodox theology and their potential for contemporary theological discourse.
Keywords:
References
Show list ▼1. Davydenkov O. (2017) "Dogmaticheskoye bogosloviye: uchebnoye posobiye" [Dogmatic Theology: A Study Guide]. Moscow. (In Russian).
2. Emelyanov N. (2007) "Dogmaticheskogo razvitiya teoriya" [The Theory of Dogmatic Development]. In: "Pravoslavnaya entsiklopediya" [Orthodox Encyclopedia]. Vol. 15. pp. 534–542. Available at: https://www.pravenc.ru/text/178714.html (10/07/2025). (In Russian).
3. Gautier F. (2022) "Grigoriy — innovator? Bogoslovskiye predaniye i novovvedeniye u svt. Grigoriya Bogoslova" [Gregory the Innovator? Theological Tradition and Innovation in St. Gregory the Theologian]. In: "Nazianzena Rossica. Svyatitel' Grigoriy Bogoslov. Issledovaniya i perevody" [Nazianzena Rossica. St. Gregory the Theologian. Studies and Translations]. Moscow. pp. 11–56. (In Russian).
4. Lapati A.D. (1972) John Henry Newman. N.Y. (In English).
5. Lattier D.J. (2011) The Orthodox Rejection of Doctrinal Development. In: Pro Ecclesia. Vol. XX. No. 4. pp. 389–410. (In English).
6. Mikhailov P.B. (2013) "Problema razvitiya v bogoslovii i dogmatike" [The Problem of Development in Theology and Dogmatics]. In: "Vestnik Pravoslavnogo Svyato-Tikhonovskogo gumanitarnogo universiteta. Seriya I. Bogosloviye. Filosofiya" [Bulletin of St. Tikhon's Orthodox University. Series I. Theology. Philosophy]. Iss. 6 (50). pp. 9–23. (In Russian).
7. Mikhailov P.B. (2017) "Istina very: istoriya ili razvitiye? Dva istoriko-bogoslovskikh proyekta XIX veka: «istoriya dogmatov» i «dogmaticheskoye razvitiye»" [The Truth of Faith: History or Development? Two Historical-Theological Projects of the 19th Century: "The History of Dogmas" and "Dogmatic Development"]. In: "Khristianskoye chteniye" [Christian Reading]. No. 6. pp. 79–90. (In Russian).
8. Mikhailov P.B. (2023) "Dinamika very po Dzh. G. N'yumenu" [The Dynamics of Faith According to J.G. Newman]. In: "Filosofiya religii: analiticheskiye issledovaniya" [Philosophy of Religion: Analytical Studies]. Vol. 7. No. 2. pp. 115–142. (In Russian).
9. Pashkov P.A. (2024) "Problema verouchitel'nogo razvitiya v palamitskom bogoslovii" [The Problem of Doctrine Development in Palamite Theology]. In: "Filaretovskiy al'manakh" [Filaretovsky Almanac]. Iss. 20 (1). pp. 50–70. (In Russian).
10. Pelikan J. (1971–1989) The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Doctrine. Vol. 1–5. Chicago and London. (In English).
11. Pilipenko E.A. (2018) "Nepogreshimost' papy rimskogo" [The Infallibility of the Pope]. In: "Pravoslavnaya entsiklopediya" [Orthodox Encyclopedia]. Vol. 49. pp. 10–15. Available at: https://www.pravenc.ru/text/2565042.html (10/07/2025). (In Russian).
12. Potemkin S. (2020) "Perevod stat'i professora protoiyereya Dumitru Staniloye «Pravoslavnoye ponimaniye Predaniya i razvitiya ucheniya»" [Translation of the article by Professor Archpriest Dumitru Staniloe "The Orthodox Understanding of Tradition and the Development of Teaching"]. In: "Trudy i perevody" [Works and Translations]. No. 1(3). pp. 77–85. (In Russian).
13. Shokhin V.K. (2019) "Filosofsko-teologicheskiy diskurs i opredeleniya dogmatov v dukhovno-akademicheskoy shkole sinodal'nogo perioda" [Philosophical and Theological Discourse and Definitions of Dogmas in the Theological-Academic School of the Synodal Period]. In: "Vestnik Pravoslavnogo Svyato-Tikhonovskogo gumanitarnogo universiteta. Seriya I. Bogosloviye. Filosofiya. Religiovedeniye" [Bulletin of St. Tikhon's Orthodox University. Series I. Theology. Philosophy. Religious Studies]. Iss. 82. pp. 11–33. (In Russian). DOI: 10.15382/sturI201982.11-33
14. Shturbabin S.A., Petrova K.Yu. (2023) "Dogmat o papskoy nepogreshimosti v Rimsko-katolicheskoy tserkvi: verouchitel'nyye i sotsial'nyye aspekty" [The Dogma of Papal Infallibility in the Roman Catholic Church: Doctrine and Social Aspects]. In: "Trudy Saratovskoy pravoslavnoy dukhovnoy seminarii" [Works of the Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary]. No. 3(22). pp. 43–60. (In Russian).
15. Valliere P. (2000) Modern Russian Theology — Bukharev, Soloviev, Bulgakov: Orthodox Theology in a New Key. Grand Rapids. (In English).
Author information
Nun Longina (Kristina Petrova)
Position: Junior Research Fellow, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Theology, Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary, applicant for the degree of Candidate of Theology, Ss Cyril and Methodius Institute of Post-Graduate Studies
Address: 92 Michurina str., Saratov, 410028, Russian Federation; 4/2 Pyatnitskaya str., bld. 5, Moscow, 115035, Russian Federation
Email: petra-velikaya@ya.ru
ORCID: 0000-0003-4529-6709
Studies of the Doctrine of the Soul: Theophan the Recluse: Historiographical Overview
Reference to the article:
Vashchaev V., Buldakov R. Ucheniye o dushe v nasledii svyatitelya Feofana Zatvornika: sovremennyy istoriograficheskiy analiz [Studies of the doctrine of the soul: Theophan the recluse: historiographical overview] // Trudy Saratovskoj Pravoslavnoj Duhovnoj Seminarii [Proceedings of the Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary]. 2025. No. 4(31). pp. 68–82. DOI: 10.56621/27825884_2025_31_68
Abstract
The article attempts to provide a historiographical review of the latest research on the doctrine of the soul in the legacy of St. Theophan the Recluse. The following research areas related to this topic can be identified: St. Theophan's concept of the soul in relation to the personalistic studies of the representatives of the Kiev Theological Academy, St. Theophan's concept in general in relation to his teachings on human nature, the doctrine of the soul in the context of St. Theophan's moral and ascetic ideas, and the educational potential of his moral teachings. Some researchers, since the saint often uses "triads" in his works, believe that he taught about the threefold nature of man, separating body, soul and spirit (Hieromonk Korniliy Zaitsev).
When analyzing St. Theophan's anthropology, another group of researchers draws attention to his use of modern concepts, which the saint tries to "reconcile" with patristic teaching (Archpriest Pavel Khondzinsky, Priest Pavel Kaleda). This area of research, however, remains underdeveloped. In addition, a number of researchers examine concepts that arise in the context of the saint's teachings on the soul (such as "inner man," "personality," and "consciousness"), but the contexts in which these concepts function and their relationship to other theological concepts of the saint are currently poorly understood.
Keywords:
References
Show list ▼1. Bui S.I. (2019) "Ucheniye svyatitelya Feofana Zatvornika o nravstvennom soznanii cheloveka" [The Teaching of St. Theophan the Recluse on Human Moral Consciousness]. In: "Trudy po russkoy patrologii" [Works on Russian Patrology]. No. 2(2). pp. 27–34. (In Russian).
2. Deputatov N.M. (1938) "Revnitel' blagochestiya 19-go veka yepiskop Feofan zatvornik" [Bishop Theophan the Recluse, a 19th-Century Zealot of Piety]. A thesis by Nikolai Deputatov, a fourth-year student in the theological faculty of St. Vladimir's Institute in Harbin. Harbin. (In Russian).
3. Dutka M., Denisov A. (2022) "Ucheniye svyatitelya Feofana Zatvornika o bor’be so strastyami i osnovnykh dobrodetelyakh" [The teaching of St. Theophan the Recluse on the fight against passions and basic virtues]. In: "Trudy Saratovskoi pravoslavnoi dukhovnoi seminarii" [Proceedings of the Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary]. No. 3(18). pp. 20–33. (In Russian).
4. Ivanov P.K. (2021) "K voprosu ob ustroyenii cheloveka i yego dukhovnom puti v asketicheskom bogoslovii svt. Feofana Zatvornika" [On the Question of Human Structure and Spiritual Path in the Ascetical Theology of St. Theophan the Recluse]. In: "Aktual'nyye voprosy tserkovnoy nauki" [Current Issues in Church Science]. No. 1. pp. 27–30. (In Russian).
5. Kaleda P.I. (2019) "Svt. Feofan Zatvornik i antropologiya kiyevskoy dukhovnoy shkoly" [St. Theophan the Recluse and the Anthropology of the Kyiv Theological School]. In: "Vestnik Yekaterinburgskoy dukhovnoy seminarii" [Bulletin of the Yekaterinburg Theological Seminary]. No. 4(28). pp. 110–123. (In Russian).
6. Khokhlova A.B. "Ponimaniye i ustroyeniye cheloveka v religiozno-filosofskom uchenii svyatitelya Feofana Zatvornika" [Understanding and Structure of Man in the Religious and Philosophical Teachings of St. Theophan the Recluse]. Available at: https://lomonosov-msu.ru/archive/Lomonosov_2007/20/biseranna@mail.ru.pdf (15/09/2024). (In Russian).
7. Khondzinsky P. (2016) "«Tserkov' ne yest' akademiya». Russkoye vneakademicheskoye bogosloviye XIX v." [“The Church is not an Academy.” Russian Extra-Academic Theology of the 19th Century]. Moscow. (In Russian).
8. Khondzinsky P.V. (2017) "Antropologiya svyatitelya Feofana Zatvornika i zarozhdeniye pervykh personalisticheskikh kontseptsiy v russkom bogoslovii" [The Anthropology of St. Theophan the Recluse and the Emergence of the First Personalistic Concepts in Russian Theology]. In: "Vestnik PSTGU. Seriya I: Bogosloviye. Filosofiya. Religiovedeniye" [Bulletin of St. Tikhonovsky Orthodox University. Series I: Theology. Philosophy. Religious Studies]. Iss. 70. pp. 11–27. (In Russian).
9. Netsvetaev D. "Ucheniye svt. Feofana Zatvornika o vnutrennem cheloveke (Doklad studenta III kursa Minskoy dukhovnoy akademii Dmitriya Netsvetayeva na seminare studentov dukhovnykh i svetskikh uchebnykh zavedeniy «Dukhovnoye naslediye svyatitelya Feofana Zatvornika», prokhodivshem v ramkakh XXI Mezhdunarodnykh Rozhdestvenskikh chteniy (24-27 yanvarya 2013 g))" [The Teaching of St. Theophan the Recluse on the Inner Man (Paper by Dmitry Netsvetaev, a third-year student of the Minsk Theological Academy, at the seminar for students of theological and secular educational institutions, "The Spiritual Heritage of St. Theophan the Recluse," held as part of the 21st International Christmas Readings (January 24–27, 2013))]. Available at: https://old.minds.by/news/uchenie-svt-feofanazatvornika-o-vnutrennem-cheloveke (15/09/2024). (In Russian).
10. Tertyshnikov N.I. (1999) "Svyatitel' Feofan Zatvornik i yego ucheniye o spasenii" [St. Theophan the Recluse and His Teaching on Salvation]. Moscow. (In Russian).
Author information
Vasily Vashchaev
Position: Assistant of the Department of Theology, Moscow Theological Academy
Address: Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra, Sergiev Posad, 141300, Russian Federation
Email: basilvashaev@yandex.ru
ORCID: 0009-0006-4028-015X
Radomir Buldakov
Position: Lecturer of the Department of Church History, Moscow Theological Academy
Address: Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra, Sergiev Posad, 141300, Russian Federation
Email: seeingruss@mail.ru
ORCID: 0009-0007-3573-4556
Church-State Relations and Religious Freedom (Using the Example of the Religious Situation in Ukraine)
Reference to the article:
Feofan (Krichunyak I.), hieromonk. Tserkovno-gosudarstvennyye otnosheniya i religioznaya svoboda (na primere religioznoy situatsii na Ukraine) [Church-State relations and religious freedom (using the example of the religious situation in Ukraine)] // Trudy Saratovskoj Pravoslavnoj Duhovnoj Seminarii [Proceedings of the Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary]. 2025. No. 4(31). pp. 83–102. DOI: 10.56621/27825884_2025_31_83
Abstract
The article examines the acute problem of violations of religious rights in modern Ukraine, where after 2014 the religious issue turned from spiritual to political. Three key draft laws (№ 4128, № 4511, № 5309), aimed at limiting the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), are analyzed in detail. The work cites many facts of discrimination against believers: the seizure of churches, illegal searches in diocesan offices and churches, harassment of the clergy — the things which make the Orthodox Christians live in constant fear of persecution.
Special attention is paid to the social consequences of the polarization of society along religious lines and the growth of inter-confessional tensions. The article also provides an assessment of the positions of international human rights organizations (in particular, the UNO, OSCE and the General Assembly of UNO). The contradiction of the Ukrainian legislation to the main international human rights documents is emphasized.
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References
Show list ▼1. Griva O.A., Yaksa N.V. (2020) "Bor'ba Ukrainy za avtokefal'nuyu tserkov' v kontekste politizatsii religii" [Ukraine's Struggle for an Autocephalous Church in the Context of the Politicization of Religion]. In: "Problemy postsovetskogo prostranstva" [Problems of the PostSoviet Space]. Vol. 7. No. 2. pp. 250–258. (In Russian).
2. Kartashev A.V. (2020) "Ocherki po istorii Russkoy Tserkvi" [Essays on the History of the Russian Church]. Vol. 1. Moscow; Berlin. (In Russian).
3. Lunkin R.N. (2018) "Politicheskaya situatsiya na Ukraine v svete tserkovnogo raskola" [The Political Situation in Ukraine in Light of the Church Schism]. In: "Nauchno-analiticheskiy vestnik IYe RAN" [Scientific and Analytical Bulletin of the Institute of Orthodox Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences]. No. 6. pp. 196–202. (In Russian).
Author information
Hieromonk Feofan (Ilya Krichunyak)
Position: Student of Master's course, Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary
Address: 92 Michurina str., Saratov, 410028, Russian Federation
Email: ilakricunak@gmail.com
Section II. Philosophy
The Phenomenon of Foolishness for Christ. A Review of the Modern Russian Literature. N. Rostova
Reference to the article:
Gurin S. Fenomen yurodstva. Obzor sovremennoy literatury. Natal'ya Rostova [The Phenomenon of Foolishness for Christ. A Review of the Modern Russian Literature. N. Rostova] // Trudy Saratovskoj Pravoslavnoj Duhovnoj Seminarii [Proceedings of the Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary]. 2025. No. 4(31). pp. 103–130. DOI: 10.56621/27825884_2025_31_103
Abstract
The article continues the review of modern Russian literature (after 1991), which began in the author's previous articles, devoted to the study of the phenomenon of foolishness for the sake of Christ. Holy fools are the ranks of saints of the Orthodox Church, who carried out a special spiritual and ascetic feat, which consisted in the rejection of generally accepted norms of life and the adoption of a special way of behavior for the sake of humility, outwardly reminiscent of the behavior of a person deprived of reason. Foolishness for Christ's sake is a rare form of holiness, specific, exceptional. It has a historical and cultural framework. This is a phenomenon of Orthodoxy, mainly Russian Orthodoxy of the Middle Ages.
A comparison is made of holiness and philosophy. Foolishness for the sake of Christ is a riddle for philosophy, a challenge, a problem. A fool for the sake of Christ is inseparable from the Church. Therefore, the phenomenon of foolishness can only be understood in the context of Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition, in the perspective of Orthodox asceticism and dogmatics.
Keywords:
References
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5. Ivanov S.A. (1994) "Vizantiyskoye yurodstvo" [Byzantine Foolishness for Christ's Sake]. Moscow. (In Russian).
6. Ivanov S.A. (2005) "Blazhennyye pokhaby. Kul'turnaya istoriya yurodstva" [Blessed Obscenities. A Cultural History of Foolishness for Christ's Sake]. Moscow. (In Russian).
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8. Larche J.-C. (2021) "Litso i priroda. Pravoslavnaya kritika personalistskikh teoriy Khristosa Yannarasa i Ioanna Ziziulasa" [Face and Nature. An Orthodox Critique of the Personalist Theories of Christos Yannaras and John Zizioulas]. Moscow. (In Russian. Trans. from French).
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Author information
Stanislav Gurin
Position: Doctor of Sciences in Philosophy, Professor, Senior Lecturer, Department of Theology, Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary; Professor, Department of Philosophy and Methodology of Science, Saratov State University
Address: 92 Michurina str., Saratov, 410028, Russian Federation; 10A Volskaya str., Saratov, 410028, Russian Federation
Email: gurin-sp@yandex.ru
Secularization as a Spiritual Malady of the Age Reflected in the Works of 20th Century Thinkers
Reference to the article:
Maslov A. Sekulyarizatsiya kak dukhovnyy nedug vremeni v rabotakh mysliteley XX veka [Secularization as a Spiritual Malady of the Age Reflected in the Works of 20th Century Thinkers] // Trudy Saratovskoj Pravoslavnoj Duhovnoj Seminarii [Proceedings of the Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary]. 2025. No. 4 (31). pp. 131–159. DOI: 10.56621/27825884_2025_31_131
Abstract
The author traces the correlation between secularization and desacralization occurring not only within the religious landscape ("temple") but also in the field of culture ("museum"). The symptoms of secularization are noted through the works of Hieronymus Bosch, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Michelangelo, da Messina, Botticelli and others, as well as through desacralization of sacred images, development of "silhouette" and "vanitas" still-life painting genres, appearance of winter landscape picture, coldness and "moon"-like features and shadows in the visual arts of 16th — 18th centuries. Secularization trends are also noted in the development of 20th century Protestant theology where God transforms from transcendent to immanent being and can be found exclusively in the mundanity, in the "mass of people" (Dietrich Bonhoeffer).
The secularization and desacralization have led to formation of rather peculiar forms of contemporary Christianity such as "prosperity theology" and even paradoxic "civil religion" (Robert Bellah). The author concludes that the symptoms of secularization, particularly, the pronounced feelings of existential discomfort experienced by contemporary humans (the feeling of "missing something"), are caused by numinous capacity for religious perception, that serves as a priori attribute of human beings (Rudolf Otto). Thus, it is too early to declare that religion has no place in the public space of contemporary society (Jurgen Habermas).
Keywords:
References
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Author information
Alexei Maslov
Position: Student of Master's course, Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary
Address: 92 Michurina str., Saratov, 410028, Russian Federation
Email: majority@mail.ru
Section III. History
In Memory of Moscow University Professor A.S. Pavlov: Development of Scientific Activity (1878–1898), Methodology and Contribution to Canon Law
Reference to the article:
Arzamaskin M. Pamyati professora Moskovskogo universiteta A.S. Pavlova: razvitiye nauchnoy deyatel'nosti (1878–1898), metodologiya i vklad v tserkovnoye pravo [In memory of Moscow University professor A.S. Pavlov: development of scientific activity (1878–1898), methodology and contribution to canon law] // Trudy Saratovskoj Pravoslavnoj Duhovnoj Seminarii [Proceedings of the Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary]. 2025. No. 4(31). pp. 160–178. DOI: 10.56621/27825884_2025_31_160
Abstract
The present article continues the study of the life and scholarly legacy of the outstanding Russian canonist and Byzantinist Alexey Stepanovich Pavlov, whose name is forever associated with the establishment of the scientific foundations of Russian ecclesiastical law. It reveals the main directions and results of his long-term research activity, which encompassed Byzantine, Old Russian, and comparative canon law. Special attention is devoted to Pavlov’s critical analysis of ancient Slavic-Greek monuments — from the Books of Laws (Knigi zakonnyye) and the Monuments of Old Russian Canon Law (Pamyatniki drevnerusskogo kanonicheskogo prava) to his renowned study of the Fiftieth Chapter of the Kormchaia Book and his polemical articles on issues of marital and spiritual kinship. The author demonstrates how Pavlov built an integral system of Orthodox canonical thought, combining historical-philological criticism with dogmatic interpretation of sources.
The scholar’s methodological views, set forth in a number of his works and lectures, are characterized by an aspiration toward a critically refined codification of canonical material and the establishment of an inner connection between the law of the Russian and Eastern Churches. Pavlov was among the first to recognize the necessity of considering canon law as a distinct juridical science, founded upon the analysis of sources, their historical evolution, and their dogmatic content. His works are distinguished by a rare combination of philological precision, theological depth, and legal systematization.
The article emphasizes that Pavlov’s method — the historical-dogmatic approach — became a turning point in the development of Russian canon-law scholarship. He laid the groundwork for the future systematization of the canonical heritage and the scientific revival of the discipline. The examples of Pavlov’s polemics with his contemporaries (A.N. Popov, I.S. Berdnikov, N.S. Suvorov) demonstrate the living thought of a scholar capable of uniting rigorous argumentation with a Christian worldview. The article concludes with an assessment of the spiritual and scholarly significance of Pavlov’s activity, whose works, as acknowledged by his contemporaries, rival the achievements of K.E. Zachariae von Lingenthal and remain an unsurpassed model of critical engagement with the sources of canon law.
Keywords:
Author information
Mikhail Arzamaskin
Position: postgraduate student, Ss Cyril and Methodius Institute of Post-Graduate Studies
Address: 4/2 Pyatnitskaya str., bld. 5, Moscow, 115035, Russian Federation
Email: mikhail.arzamaskin@yandex.ru
ORCID: 0009-0004-8946-3729
Publications
Functions of Intertext in Byzantine and Slavic Hymnography (Based on the Texts of the Menaion)
Reference to the article:
Spitsyn D. Funktsii interteksta v vizantiyskoy i slavyanskoy gimnografii (na primere tekstov Minei Mesyachnoy) [Functions of intertext in Byzantine and Slavic hymnography (based on the texts of the Menaion)] // Trudy Saratovskoj Pravoslavnoj Duhovnoj Seminarii [Proceedings of the Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary]. 2025. No. 4(31). pp. 179–197. DOI: 10.56621/27825884_2025_31_179
Abstract
This work examines the little-studied issue of intertextuality functions in Byzantine and Slavic hymnography using the hymns of the Menaion as an example. The following types of functions are identified, described and characterized: narrative (or descriptive), explanatory and its exegetical variety, comparative, characterizing, imperative and technical. The mixed function is considered separately.
The presented list is based on the purposes of including another text in the hymnographic text: these may be the author's desire to describe the event being sung, or to explain a fragment of the Holy Scripture or some idea/image, to compare with something or someone (for example, a biblical character as an ideal of Christian behavior), to characterize events or a holy ascetic, and also to encourage worshipers to pray and imitate the righteous and God-pleasing life of the saint glorified in the hymn.
Keywords:
Acknowledgments: The author expresses gratitude to priest John Nikitin and M.A. Arkhipov for participating in the discussion of the article and offering valuable advice.
References
Show list ▼1. Artamonova Yu.V. (2020) "Podoben" [Similar]. In: "Pravoslavnaya entsiklopediya" [Orthodox Encyclopedia]. Vol. 57. Moscow. pp. 35–38. (In Russian).
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Author information
Dmitry Spitsyn
Position: Candidate of Theology, Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Church Practical Disciplines, Saint Petersburg Theological Academy
Address: 17 Naberezhnaya Obvodnogo Kanala, Saint Petersburg, 191167, Russian Federation
Email: dmitrij.spitsin@ya.ru
ORCID: 0000-0002-3611-5833
Reviews
The "Works of the Law" in the Epistles of the Apostle to the Gentiles and Their Reception in Second-Century Exegesis: Old or "New View of Paul"?
Reference to the article:
Kovshov M. «Dela zakona» v poslaniyakh apostola yazychnikov i ikh retseptsiya v ekzegeze vtorogo veka: staryy ili «Novyy vzglyad na Pavla»? [The "Works of the Law" in the Epistles of the Apostle to the Gentiles and their Reception in Second-Century Exegesis: Old or "New View of Paul"?]. Book review: Matthew J. Thomas. Paul's «Works of the Law» in the Perspective of Second-Century Reception. Downers Grove (IL): IVP Academic, 2020. xxii + 328 p. // Trudy Saratovskoi pravoslavnoi dukhovnoi seminarii. [Proceedings of the Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary]. 2025. No 4(31). pp. 198–207. DOI: 10.56621/27825884_2025_31_198
Book review
Matthew J. Thomas. Paul's «Works of the Law» in the Perspective of Second-Century Reception.
Downers Grove (IL): IVP Academic, 2020. xxii + 328 p.
References
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Author information
Mikhail Kovshov
Position: Candidate of Theology, Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Biblical Studies, Moscow Theological Academy; Researcher, Perervinskaya Orthodox Theological Seminary
Address: Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra, Sergiev Posad, 141300, Russian Federation; 82 Highway str., Moscow, 109383, Russian Federation
Email: paul.quest@nextmail.ru
ORCID: 0000-0003-0656-1135