The concept of sin in “Sins”, a short novel (‘povest’) by I. N. Potapenko

The article discusses the concept of sin in Sins, a short novel by I. N. Potapenko in the context of the patristic teaching on sinful passions and virtues. According to the Church Fathers, sin is the cause of all human misfortunes and evil, and the origin of sorrow and death. Exploring the phenomenon of sin, the writer examines various types of human vices, trying to understand the sources of the origin of sin, ways to overcome it and the possibility of salvation in the world. The work is written in the form of an adult’s memories of childhood. Through the prism of children’s perception, the attitudes of different types of people to faith, awareness of their own sinfulness, the desire for repentance and salvation of the soul are revealed. The story presents the main sinful passions (gluttony, fornication, avarice, anger, sadness, despondency, vanity, pride) and the main sources of sin (human self, egoism, pride). The work has an edifying character. The tragic fate of some characters is a clear example of the destructive effect of sins. There is a clear link between a vicious life and incurable diseases, death without repentance, suicide. Through preaching the gospel truths, I. N. Potapenko tried to convey the idea that despite the ubiquity of sin, it is possible to be saved in the world. This requires faith in God, repentance, humility, following the commandments, and leading a virtuous Christian life.