Intertextual Inclusions in Russian Spiritual Epistolary Communication: Typology, Functions, Context

Abstract

Intertextual inclusions (quotations, reminiscences, allusions) functioning in Russian spiritual epistolary communication are considered. Their types are presented: biblical (Old Testament and New Testament), patristic, prayer, hymnographic (from psalms and akathists), hagiographic.  Their main functions are indicated: meaning-forming, argumentative, prescriptive, evaluative, syndicative, aesthetic. Based on the material of the letters of Russian church writers of the 20th century, the features of the use of intertextual inclusions from Christian texts that have become part of the spiritual heritage are shown in the church-religious style. The following features were revealed: (1) formation of meanings with the help of quotations, reminiscences and allusions, connected with the spiritual education of the addressee, his moral perfection, the creation of an inner man in himself, strengthening in faith, the study of the foundations of Christianity, the knowledge of church Orthodox life; (2) focus on Christian values: the gospel commandments, the doctrine of salvation, Christian virtues, and others; (3) prescribing perfection in acquiring mercy, humility, patience, obedience, sobriety, non-possession, repentance and other virtues, fighting sins, reading the Gospel and the writings of the holy fathers; an expression of evaluation of sweat in relation to sins and virtues, issues related to spiritual education and development, the fulfillment of church rules and Christian commandments, the achievement of soul salvation, following the instructions of confessors; (4) creation and strengthening of a common spiritual and religious space through the implementation of the iconic function of intertextual inclusions.