Holy foolishness in Russia

Holy foolishness in Russia

By Priscilla Hart Hunt

Book Description

This comprehensive scholarly exploration unveils the profound spiritual tradition of holy foolishness in Russian culture, tracing its evolution from Byzantine origins through contemporary times. The volume examines how these seemingly paradoxical figures—saints who embraced apparent madness to achieve deeper wisdom—became integral to Russian national and religious identity.

Through interdisciplinary analysis, readers discover the complex phenomenon of iurodstvo as it manifested across centuries. The book illuminates pivotal figures including Andrew of Constantinople, Isaakii of Kiev Caves Monastery, and Kseniia of St. Petersburg, revealing how their unconventional paths to holiness challenged societal norms while embodying profound spiritual truths. These holy fools demonstrated that divine wisdom often appears as foolishness to worldly understanding.

The work traces significant developments in this tradition, from early Church calendar commemorations inherited from Byzantium to the emergence of distinctly Russian expressions of holy foolishness. Readers encounter the genesis of important cults and narratives that shaped Orthodox spirituality, including the first canonized Russian female holy fool.

Beyond historical analysis, the volume connects this ancient tradition to modern expressions, examining its influence on underground poets, performance art, and contemporary spiritual seekers. This rich tapestry of scholarship offers insights into how radical spiritual authenticity has manifested across cultures and centuries, providing valuable perspectives for anyone exploring unconventional paths to wisdom and divine connection.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~11 hours)

📄 Length: 413 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Explore Religious life and customs
  • ✓ Explore Holy fools
  • ✓ Explore Narr in Christus
  • ✓ Explore Heiliger
  • ✓ Explore Holy fools in art
  • ✓ Explore Kultur
  • ✓ Explore Religious life
  • ✓ Explore Civilization

Topics Covered

Religious life and customs Holy fools Narr in Christus Heiliger Holy fools in art Kultur Religious life Civilization Narr Religion and culture Christian hagiography Christianity and culture Christian saints

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