The theme of Gospel love in P. I. Melnikov-Pechersky's “V lesakh” (“In the forests”) and “Na gorakh” (“On the hills”) dilogy

The topic of gospel love is considered the main leitmotif that defines the artistic concept of the novels “V lesakh” (“In the Forests”) (1871-1874) and “Na gorakh” (“On the Hills”) (1875-1881), which comprise a dilogy. It was the result of the reflections of P. I. Melnikov-Pechersky not only about the Old Believers, but also his religious and philosophical contemplations about a person, his spiritual and moral components, national and cultural, spiritual values, the search for true faith and the highest sense of human existence. The religious and philosophical problems of dilogy, its connection with national life, spiritual and moral ideals, traditions of ancient Russian culture, the reflection of Orthodox values in the artistic concept of dilogy allow us to talk about cultural traditionalism and include Melnikov-Pechersky’s creative work in the general literary process of the 19th century. From this point of view, the article considers the motives of spiritual self-sacrifice, self-denial, serving your neighbor as the highest degree of manifestation of the gospel love. This theme permeates the artistic space of the dilogy and is expressed at different levels in the text structure - in an image-motivated system, plot organization, in quotes and reminiscences. The words of one of the main heroes, the Old Believer merchant Patap Maksimych Chapurin, about serving and self-sacrifice for the sake of his neighbor, representing an inaccurate quote from the Gospel (John 15:13), are the key to uncovering the theme of gospel love. The intentionally positive images of the heroes of dilogy (both Old Believers and representatives of the Orthodox Church) are focused on Christian values, have an Orthodox vision, the essential principle of which is the principle of mutual love in Christ. The example of the heroes of Melnikov-Pechersky shows that love for one’s neighbor is understood as active love, the result of earthly “doing,” be it heroic self-sacrifice or humble asceticism. Love in Christ elevates and transforms the personalities of heroes, leading to unity, sobornost’, a sense of responsibility to each other.