Keywords
elitism
ideal
sacredness
cult
hagiography
canonical tradition
Slavic mythology
paganism
folklore
How to Cite
Abstract
The article is devoted to the analysis of the elite personality traits represented in the image of St. Nicholas of Mirliki. The stable canonical elements of the composition of the Reverend hagiography, contained in the composition of Metaphrastus, are listed. The circumstances that influenced the development of the Old Russian cult of the saint are named. The changes that were made to the interpretation of the image of Archbishop Dimitri of Rostov are revealed.The exclusive place of Nikola in the minds of the Eastern Slavs and the transformation of the canonical tradition, based on the specifics of pre-Christian ideas, are noted. Typical folklore narratives about Wonderworker stand out. The connection between Nikolay and the water element, which is actual for residents of coastal areas, is emphasized. It is indicated that the "People's Saint" still acts as a character.Attention is drawn to the growing influence of the Western European tradition, leading to the assimilation of customs. Examples of Internet greetings are given, in which the parallel between Wonderworker and Santa Claus is especially clearly traced. It is concluded that the image of St. Nicholas is the embodiment of the people's dream of a perfect person, a gracious intercessor, the personification of transcendental, timeless power. The considered components of the cult of the Myrlikian saint in Russia demonstrate, on the one hand, his unconditional stability, on the other, lability, the ability to develop organically under the influence of socio-economic, political, and cultural factors.
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