MAIASP. 2020. No. 12

N.P. Pokhilko (Yasnaya Polyana, Russia)

ANTIERETICAL TEACHINGS OF THE CHRONICLE STORY ON THE BAPTISM OF VLADIMIR SVYATOSLAVOVICH

DOI: 10.24411/2713-2021-2020-00033

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Pages: 1057—1080

In the discussion on the issue of the chronicle confession, there are two main hypotheses: the hypothesis of the accidental genesis of its “homoiousios” terminology and the hypothesis of a deliberate heretical (Arian or semi-Arian) editing of its source — the confession of Michael Synkellos of Jerusalem. Both hypotheses identify the “homoiousios” terminology of the Slavic text with a well-known heresy. The analysis of the misreadings allows us to assert that the word “homoiousios” was used by Slavic scribes in the meaning of “the same, the same essence”. And the nature and direction of the substantial changes introduced by the chronicler indicates an anti-Trinitarian understanding of the single essence of God, where the Hypostases are thought to be properties and “images” of the one God, understood by him as God the Father. The chronicler replaced the main text of the previous confession with a “homoiousios” confession — an integral part of the anti-heretical cycle, which included the Niceo-Constantinople creed. At the same time, he introduced an anti-Latin article into the chronicle. At that time, Greek and Slavic polemists accused the Latins in connection with the Filioque problem in anti-Trinitarianism. By dissociating himself from the customs and rituals of the Western Church, the chronicler to some extent camouflaged the heretical essence of his own, in fact, anti-Trinitarian confession.

Key words: confession of Michael Sinkell, chronicle creed, anti-Trinitarian heresies, anti-Latin polemics.

Received June 30, 2020

Accepted for publication July 15, 2020

About the author:

Pokhilko Natalia Pavlovna (Yasnaya Polyana, Russia). Independent researcher

E-mail npohilko@mail.ru