Christian traditions in Alexander Vasilyev’s book of poems “To your name...” (2011)

The article discusses reception of Christian tradition in the works of Karelian poet A. P. Vasilyev. Bool of poems “To Your Name…” reveals deep interaction with Orthodox tradition in lexis, motifs, images and topics. The title of the book of poems represents a direct quote from Psalm 113. The Psalm concentrates multiple semantic layers: fate and history of the nation that became God’s “possession” and “sanctity”; the Exodus from Egypt; unity of the Lord’s people; chanting the Lord’s name; reprimanding the idol worship. The book of poems “To Your Name” reflects these main topics. Consequently, the book focuses on such eternal issues as spiritual foundation of human existence, a human’s place in history and at the turn of centuries. Problems of national and personal fate, historical and eschatological questions are considered in the light of Christian tradition. The focus shifts from historical topic in the first part of the book to the idea of soul resurrection in the second part: destiny of common humanity is specified in the lyrical subject’s personal experience. The concept “prayer” is comprehensively reflected and synthesized with poetry.