The Inviolability of Faith as opposition to revolutionary Chaos (according to the Homiletic legacy of the Holy Martyr Vladimir (Bogoyavlensky), Metropolitan of Kiev)

Abstract

The article discusses the tragic circumstances of the death of Metropolitan Vladimir (Bogoyavlensky) in direct connection with the content of spiritual conversations, united by the common name «The Suffering of Christ and the Suffering of the Church.» Metropolitan Vladimir’s spiritual conversations reveal the source of spiritual forces that fed the archpastor at the time of suffering and martyrdom. The author draws analogies between the events of life and the tragic death of Metropolitan Vladimir in Kiev during the persecution of the Church and the events of the Gospel story connected with the betrayal and crucifixion of the Savior: they correspond remarkably exactly to the pictures of spiritual sleep drawn in his conversations. Understanding the inseparability of the relationship between Christ and the Church, the archpastor called for awakening of Russian society and exposed the slander spattered on faith. He foresaw that the persecuted Church would not be destroyed, but strengthened by the exploits of the martyrs. In conclusion, the author claims that it is in the archpastoral teachings that a high spiritual state is revealed in which the elect of Christ dwelt: the spiritual world of the Saint was opposed to the Godless power, with its insane dreams of bliss in the earthly world and immense pride.