Russian Elders: Aesthetics of Good-Imaged Beauty

Introduction. The paper substantiates the application of aesthetic characteristics to the examination of the image of Russian elders. It is proposed to move away from the traditional understanding of aesthetics only as a philosophy of art and beauty and consider it as a knowledge of the unique expressiveness of the essence of a sensually perceived phenomenon. The position is put forward that the phenomenal image of a person is a consequence of his lifestyle, and the image of the Russian elders, given the special way of their existence, is characterized by its original aesthetics of good-imaged beauty.

Methodology and sources. The author shows the interaction and interconnectedness of the “external” and “internal” in the human image. To do this, we study the substantial proximity of the ancient phenomenon of kalocagathy and the Christian phenomenon of good-imaged, each of which, however, embodies a fundamentally different understanding of man (cosmological-plastic and personality-visual). The author emphasizes the fundamental for Orthodox anthropology and mysticism understanding of light in Hesychasm and the unity of Truth, Love and Beauty. The provision of P. A. Florensky, that the revealed truth is love, and the realized love is beauty. The general methodological basis of the work is a philosophical-anthropological, phenomenological and culturalhermeneutical attitude in the study of the aesthetics of the human image on the example of the beautiful beauty of the Russian elders.

Results and discussion. The phenomenon of elderity is considered in the broad context of Orthodox and especially Russian history and culture, for which it is recognized in the most important archetypal type. Its main components and specific characteristics are considered. Particularly emphasizes the role in its occurrence and development of St. Nile of Sora and St. Paisiya Velichkovsky. The image of the Russian elder is regarded as an authentic embodiment of the practical implementation of the Orthodox mysticism of love, light and beauty. The special importance of the visual image of a person in Russian culture is emphasized. Based on the material of a wide appeal to the history of Russian senility, especially the XIX–XX centuries, a special type of spiritual asceticism, anthropology and educational communication is revealed. Defined by the experience of constant love, the image of the noble beauty of the elders (such as, for example, Leo, Macarius, Ambrose Optinsky) is recognized in Orthodoxy as a living icon of God, the ability is recognized through its visual perception to transform and improve people, and characteristic evidence is recalled about the effects of aesthetics this beautiful beauty.

Conclusion. At the end of the paper, the author explores the specific nature of the perception of Russian elders, highlighting the visual and aesthetic component of this perception and emphasizing the importance of the beauty of their spiritual and phenomenal well-being as an aesthetic embodiment of love for people.

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