PATRON SAINTS OF GEORGIA IN MODERN ORTHODOX WRITERS’ LITERATURE

Abstract

Semantics and functions of images that represent Georgia’s patron saints are examined in this article as exemplified in the Georgian Rhapsody, a collection of stories by O. Nikolayeva, stories by M. Saradzhishvili (from the books Do not rush to condemn and Next to you), Exile, a short story by V. N. Lyalin, and Wonderful journey to Orthodox Georgia by O. Rozhneva. Referring to episodes from the hagiography of Georgian saints in the texts in question allow us to trace the spiritual history of Georgia since the time of adoption of Christianity. The detailed list of saints is present in the books of О. Nikolayeva and О. Rozhneva. Even though only particular periods of Georgia's history are reflected in the stories of М. Saradzhishvili and V. N. Lyalin, the country's patron saints participation in the life of their characters in Georgia’s recent past or present day is undeniable. For example, Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Nina performs a guardian function and her appearance during the Soviet years provides spiritual support to the female character of V. N. Lyalin’s story. First and foremost, a patron in combat, Saint George the Trophy Bearer is also a patron of the family. Venerable David of Garedzha is both an example of humility and a patron of the hearth and home. With his gift of prophecy, Blessed Gabriel (Urgebadze), mentioned in the book by О. Rozhneva, also assists on the path of personal salvation. Whereas О. Rozhneva’s book is exclusively focused on depicting Orthodox Georgia and its saints, the work of О. Nikolayeva provides a more comprehensive image of Georgia, including a vast stratum of the country’s cultural characteristics. In О. Nikolayeva’s book the saints represent a significant facet of Georgia’s image.