THE TOPOS OF THE KYIV-PECHERSK MONASTERY IN NATALENA KOROLEVA’S PROSE: THE PATERICON PROTOTEXT AND AUTHORIAL INTERPRETATION

Abstract

The article explores the artistic interpretation of the sacred topos of the Kyiv-Pechersk Monastery in Natalena Koroleva’s collection “Legends of Old Kyiv”. It is emphasized that the Lavra is interpreted not merely as a religious shrine, but as a profound symbol of national and cultural identity. The study establishes that the Lavra in “Legends of Old Kyiv” is a multifaceted image collectively formed by natural, architectural, and anthropological layers, which are rooted in the “Kyiv-Pechersk Patericon”. The natural space is revealed through the symbolic triad of “mountain – cave – garden”, representing spiritual ascent, inner purification, and the ideal of harmonious existence, respectively. The architectural landscape encompasses the topoi of churches and cells, representing the Lavra as an intellectual and artistic hub. Special attention is paid to the image of the church as the core of the sacred space, which acquires visual and acoustic concretization, while the cells are depicted as original creative laboratories for artists. The anthropological dimension of the Lavra is revealed through the rethinking of the hagiographic narratives about five monks: Anthony, Theodosius, Isaac, Alypius, and Gregory. It is established that while preserving the plot structure of the Patericon narratives, the author individualizes and psychologizes the figures of the saints, imbuing them with human traits, supplementing the narrative with folklore elements and interior details, and skillfully stylizing the language of the original prototext. All these elements contribute to the reinterpretation of canonical material and its adaptation to the aesthetic demands of the modern era.