Нарративы, связанные с мироточением икон, в Российской империи в XVIII–XIX вв. (по материалам РГИА)

Abstract

Based on the data of the Russian State Historical Archive, an attempt is made to identify stable narratives about myrrh-streaming in the folk tradition of the population of the Russian Empire in the 18th–19th centuries, as well as to trace the influence of these narratives on the formation of the concept of a miracle in the everyday religious consciousness of the region under consideration. Initially, tear-stained icons could manifest themselves by glowing or lightning-like brilliance, fragrant fragrance, mysterious voice, the appearance of new inscriptions on them, some of them designated themselves in a dream or were involved in poltergeist-like events. In the 19th century, the range of motives expanded: now an increasing number of icons can flow myrrh in one house, new ritual practices arise around such “centers of attraction”, and these narratives themselves are increasingly beginning to penetrate into various ethno-confessional environments. The myrrh or other liquid that appeared on the icon was perceived as a manifestation of hierophany and was self-sufficient for believers to believe in a miracle. The very outflow of liquid from the icon not only visually confirmed the possibilities of the image to create a miracle, but also through these signs allowed the believer to be personally involved in this sacred action.