The notion of sanctity in the works of St. Demetrius of Rostov: some observations

In the literature devoted to St. Demetrius of Rostov, one can find different points of view about the extent to which in his theology the bishop was close to the age-old traditions of Russian Orthodoxy. Te purpose of this article is to try to analyze the views of the Metropolitan of Rostov on holiness, which found an expression in his writen work. For this, the author refers to the observations of previous researchers of the literary heritage of St. Demetrius of Rostov, and also directly to his writings. Te article shows what was important for St. Demetrius of Rostov when he wrote about saints and holiness: the historicity of holiness, the connection between holiness and martyrdom, between holiness and externals, and between holiness and the state of the “inner man.” Te author comes to the conclusion that the views of St. Demetrius on holiness simultaneously preserved the spirit of Church Tradition, answered the questions posed to Orthodox Christians by the emerging Modernity, and, at the same time, were consonant with the character traits of the Slavic peoples. Tis explains the continuing relevance of the Lives of the Saints and its profound influence on the Orthodox culture of Eastern Europe over the centuries