Amazing beauty! And no icon Zinon, none of his paintings do not sensations replica, as it often happens with contemporary images and paintings! Here - forever! The true ministry!
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SAH, wondering what colors he worked, what technology?
It's hard to answer this question, at the time of the visit of the monastery Zinon only just left him, my feeling that this is a natural pigment in 50%-70%of painting. Some pictures of the monastery, by the way its inhabitants the Greeks.
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I would even say: Massacre of the Innocents. Then Herod, when he saw he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent and slew all the children in Bethlehem and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
(Mf.2: 16)
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Father Zinon said: "icon-painting - this conciliar work, as all ecclesiastical art, ppoetomu iconographer only co-fathers of the Church - they are the first and the icon painters.
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The icon painter Zinon (Theodore) - about God, faith, and a
Archimandrite Zinon, one of the most influential artists of modern Russian icon - not only practice, but a brilliant theoretician and thinker of the church - some enthusiastically calls Andrei Rublev our time. He himself, of course, strongly opposed to such a comparison, but all who saw and knew the work of an inspired follower of the ancient Byzantine tradition, are inclined to agree with such a high valuation.
In recent years, the wizard worked in Vienna. The dome, arches and walls are now restored St. Nicholas Cathedral, the largest temple of the Moscow Patriarchate in Western Europe, for many months became the creative workshop of the world-famous icon painter. Directly in front was created a real miracle! ..
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From the Great Encyclopedic Dictionary
Zinon - (in the world Theodor Vladimir Mikhailovich) (b. 1953) - Archimandrite, leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, the icon painter. Having a secular art education, in 1976 became the priest of the Pskov-Caves Monastery. One of the most influential artists of modern Russian icon painting, strictly adheres to the ancient Byzantine tradition. In 1995, for his contribution to the ecclesiastical art of the first church leaders received the State Prize of Russia.
Paint icons were criminally
- How do you become a painter?
- When I started, icon painting in the Soviet Union officially no one did. It was in the 70's. In the Soviet constitution writing was equated with religious icons, and, consequently, the anti-Soviet propaganda. It is a real crime for him, by the way, it was possible to sit in jail ...
- But you did not get in jail?
- I was just lucky. After school I went to Odessa Art School, at the painting department. In the second year for the first time took up the Gospel ...
- Random?
- Probably not. Every artist inevitably confronted with the works of old masters on biblical themes, Gospels. There are questions to which answers can be given only by the gospel - foundation, primer, and understanding of human life in general and painting in particular. Other old masters did not understand. What good is art: art of this region is closest to religion.
- It turns out that enthusiasm for painting and lead you to God?
- In the end, perhaps it was. But even in early childhood, my grandmother took me to our wooden temple. I remember, as there Eucharist, which seemed an unusual situation - not seen such anywhere else: quiet, beautiful and inexplicably mysterious. Even the severity seemed to me there is special: it is suppressed boyish character, but not frightened. I remember how wonderful it smelled of incense, a priest named Father John ...
- How old were you then?
- Three years. Then, in the 60's, our old church was demolished by a log. Apparently, the local authorities have obeyed over. - What power? Where do you live?
- Regular Party and Soviet power. She then was the same everywhere - in Russia, Ukraine, on the Kolyma ... We were living in the Mykolayiv region, near Odessa, a little town Pervomaisk ... Once on the fertile land is situated a vast Greek colony. Incidentally, our town, maybe someone will appear and homely, but its story is from 1676. Prior to May 1, 1919, he had different names: Gault, Bogopol, Olviopol ... Well, and May 1, when power was in the hands of the "workers", was destined to become Pervomaisk. North Black Sea, Tavrida - there are still many Greeks living. Extremely hard-working people.
- And Christians!
- Nice people, I agree. But I can not Greek. My parents - ordinary Russian peasants. By the way, the art no one in our family has had no relations. My father, for example, tending sheep.
- Symbolic. But what are the sheep - in the city?
- Pervomaysk small town, the entire population - fifty thousand. We lived on the very edge. My mother worked all his life as an accountant.
- Are your parents alive?
- His father, Mikhail, died in 1992, and his mother, Evdokia Matveyevna, now in retirement. There is also a younger sister, at some enterprise works. That's all the other relatives I do not know.
- Domestic long visited?
- I try to regularly travel to a small home at least once a year. When she was younger, she came to me, now it is difficult, of course.
- Where are you registered? Permanent residence do you have?
- No. I'm a monk - a wanderer.
- That is, his own corner, where you can relax, "to lay his head" do not have?
- What is a monk may be a house?
- Monastery?
- Right. I lived in various monasteries. Started in the Pskov-Pechersk. After working in Vienna, I was invited to Mount Athos, a Greek monastery - there also needed to paint the church. About four years of work, in my opinion. But I think there and stay. Because old already, move from place to place to me is becoming increasingly difficult.
- Excuse me, but how old are you?
- What is there to forgive - 56.
- What kind of old - the age of prosperity!
- Probably. But force - but I feel - not the same. In the monastery one year for three counts, you know.
- Are you serious?
- I'm joking!
All my life looking for a friend
- It was hard to decide on a monk? Which arguments were the most weight?
- The cast of character I probably maximalist. Even in school knew that Soviet artists do not want to be. Happy faces of the workers, farmers, the romance of building projects - all this seems to be waiting for my inspiration so-called reality I hated. Dostoevsky, it seems, is the definition of the devil: "he was going." Just noticed. Vulgarity in the Soviet Union poured everywhere. Rust cutting into the souls of people were able to avoid one.
And the south of Ukraine in this sense, a special nightmare! .. If in Moscow and St. Petersburg maintained at least some remnants of authentic Russian culture, then in this land of anything like this and never had. Where? It seriously explore these lands Russian only started when Catherine the Great in the late XVIII century. Basically there lived Turks, Gypsies, Jews, Moldovans ... "The boiler peoples" solid. Even the language spoken on my "small homeland" specific. It seems to be Russian, but not every visitor, say, a Muscovite in him will understand and immediately understand. Little Russia - one word.
- But at the Odessa Art School you, apparently, without a word everything was okay?
- Yes, this is where I finally realized that life without art is no longer able. However, escape from the banality could save in a monastery. I wanted to leave school, drop everything and hurry to leave. But at that time to report for military service in the monasteries do not accept it. I had to complete their education and then serve in the army.
- Where gave a "sacred duty"?
- Ibid, in Odessa. Artists in the army is always hot cakes! Who do I just was not able to portray: brave warriors, a formidable technique, the portraits of military commanders. But even then, secretly, I managed to paint icons.
- And if the political officer spotted - a disciplinary battalion?
- Probably. But I got caught once.
- So you're my first icon in the army have written?
- Several earlier. But I do not think it could be called an icon. It all started completely in the dark! Not consult with anyone, the technique of writing is unknown. In the Odessa Museum of icons almost no - two or three, and even third-rate quality. Get some rare books, often only they were "guiding star". Probably why the learning process lasted a long time.
- I wonder how your parents reacted, friends, teachers, the desire to leave the monastery?
- My father was very displeased. But about a year before his death, he apparently put up with my choice. Would have lived, and so far, so ridiculous accident ended his life. Climbed to a cherry, and began to tear berries, branch break under it and exploded. Bruising strongly liver, but once the doctor is not asked, and then it turned out that late. So in 68 years and left ...
Once I entered the convent in the art school which I graduated, the director gathered all the students - it was probably 76 or 77 years - and I was stigmatized. That, he says, taught him some good sense and soul invested, means the state, and he, so-so, ungrateful, he took, but a monk to go. The Director thought that all will be condemned "negligent graduate" and turn away from me forever. But it turned out just the opposite: many students endorsed my action, interest in religion began to go to church. Then already, fifteen years later the same director suddenly invited me to the "alma mater" - to speak and meet with young artists, teachers. Diametrically reversed orientation, it happens. Well, I went, of course. And warm and spiritually.
- At about that time rector of the Pskov-Caves Monastery was famous jealous old Russian icon painting Archimandrite Alipy (Voronov). You found him?
- With his father Alipy I met when I first arrived in the Pskov-Pechora monastery back in 1973, just before the service in the army. I even have a passport was confiscated, but I went to look at monastic life and, if possible, agree on its future. In short time we've seen with the monastery. But I was struck by his warmth and attention, and immediately said to myself, what in the world these people I did not ever meet. Father Alipy communicated with me on equal terms, was delighted that I was doing iconography, promised to take to her as soon as I'll be free from military service, and to assist in the further development of this case. One can say that he inspired me then ... Unfortunately, while I served on the Cheese Week 1975 Alipy father died. So I walked into a monastery without him. Archimandrite Alipy himself was a great icon painter, in the abode of many of his paintings and icons. Memory of a left enduring.
- How do you have in the monastery?
- New governor of the Pskov-Caves Monastery was then the current archbishop of the Annunciation and Tynda Gabriel. I just looked around, got acquainted with some of the monks, the month had passed, as he beckons me and says: it's time to give a haircut, and then the deacon and ordained. I was afraid even feel that it is not ready yet, well not the same as skhodu. He tried to object. And he said: "Now the space age, everything must be done quickly." With good humor man.
- In the world you had a lot of friends?
- All my life I was searching for his friend, but never found.
- What do you mean by the notion of "friendship"?
- The concept of "friend" to me is so high ... The ideal here, I think, can serve as a friendship between David and Jonathan, in the "Book of Kings" this says it all. Reread carefully, and you'll understand what real friendship: "... the soul of Jonathan was knit to his heart, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul" (1 Sam. 18.1). This friendship is when two - as one creature, as one soul ... What one wants, the same desires and the other. Why do not want one, without that and the other without. Thus, by the way, friendship and understand the ancient Greeks. Friends can be great, but the only real friend. All my life I was searching for a true friend, the man only. It is no longer looking for, I think, too late. You can not willful decision to determine that that's such a man would be my greatest friend. Life has to offer.
- Why not offer - you will not think about it?
- You know, with the world and I before entering the monastery was much connected. Modernity did not interest me at all. Even the technology did not attract me, as my other peers. Probably for this reason, I had no real friends. I always thought I was too late to be born ... In school, read books that no one in my hands did not take. On the shelves in the library, they gathered dust for years and were often with uncut pages: historical novels, biographies and memoirs of artists, musicians, poets. Peers were interested in the adventures which some pirates or Indians ...
When I entered college, it was engaged only in art. Again, not all shared so severe my install. Some loved the "good time" - feast with drinks, dancing with the girls, other entertainment. Because I live in a dormitory flatly refused - it is impossible to concentrate and deal with serious matters. Rented an apartment. In general, his friends have not started ...
- The monastery is difficult to find a friend?
- The priest of St. Paul Florensky a master's thesis - "Pillar and Foundation of Truth," which he later published in book form. In form it is 12 letters - a philosophical conversations with one another on the cell. "My light! My clear!" - These words begins each letter. So at 11 letter, which is called "Friendship", Florensky quotes Martial, Roman poet I century translation of Apollo Maikov. I have etched in the memory of the quatrain:
If you want to live peacefully, bezburno, bitterness of life without knowing, until late old age - the other does not seek and do not call yourself one's different: less you taste the joys, and less grief!
The key word here "if". Friendship - is a victim, first of all. I think that today people hardly understand, why they need it. Hedonism (from the Greek word hedone - pleasure) was the universal installation of modern society. And on the other, you will have to suffer a lot, spend a certain amount of mental strength to get by Florensky - "the contemplation of Himself through the Friend of God." Not at all enough for this patient.
St John of the Ladder says that a monk should be another Christ. There's even a Stichera: "Acquire a friend - the Lord." In line with this, and I live.
- Who of the contemporary clergy made the greatest impression on you, left an indelible mark, so let's say, in your soul?
- In autumn 1975, immediately after the army, I went to the village Rokitne, where he met with an amazing man - Archimandrite Seraphim (Tyapochkinym). Fourteen years he spent in Stalin's camps, endured terrible tortures, but the spirit and faith of his so no one could break. As a devout "religious authority" Father Seraphim was sentenced to ten years. When the term expired, he was summoned by the camp commander and asked what he would do if set free. "I - and intends to serve as a priest," - gently, but firmly replied Tyapochkin. For this he added another five years. Only after the death of "Great Leader" priest freed and sent to the backwater area "revive" the ravaged and destroyed St. Nicholas parish. The new appointment he accepted with pleasure. In the temple, where there was not even glass in the windows, and the last several years had lived only a bird but a mouse, and in winter from the cold froze the water, sounded fervent prayer Father Seraphim. So light a new life.
- You have come to help the priest Seraphim?
- I was going to enter the monastery. Learning about my father, just wanted to see the man in her life has undergone so much suffering and injustice. I almost anything he did not ask, just watched him and listened as he spoke. He was shocked: the man absolutely did not embitter! Never have I heard that my father Seraphim anyone convicted or about someone replied disdainfully. He was visited by all sorts of people, all he was in love. I, too, was no exception. Knowing that I do iconography, Father asked me to write to the altar of the temple the creator of the liturgy - Basil the Great, John Chrysostom, Gregory Dvoeslova, the Apostle James. Altar itself was not yet restored, but I am happy to set to work. Then he painted the cupola. In the center depicted Christ Pantocrator. However, it came too colorful, as if in GVARDIYSKE style. But father Seraphim work much, and he blessed me in monastic ministry.
- What, in your opinion, get around, talking to people such as Father Seraphim?
- The best form of preaching in our time - a person's life, embodies the ideal of the Gospel. Archimandrite Seraphim was precisely such a rare person. We all had to grow and grow.
Icon-painting - a ministry
- What do you think, house painter differs from the simple, let's say, a painter? It seems to be, flour and creativity inherent in one another ...
- Whatever it is that the icon painter - is a ministry, not "throes of creation." In this, if you will, a fundamental difference. The artist, when the creator, suffering, wants to express something of their own, and that it - really, at times, and do not know. He wrote, and he always seems - is "wrong". He remakes, but still not satisfied. What to do if there is no inspiration? Wait. It works on the level of emotion.
- U iconographers otherwise?
- Icon painter is the same as the priest, who is to perform the liturgy. He is that - wait for inspiration descend? The specified hour, when to serve, he starts the service. Gradually entered into the spirit of prayer. Similarly, the icon painter. With an artist in general, only one icon painter - Graphic Arts. Everything else, in principle, very different things.
- How you learned about church history, probably read a lot?
- Systematic reading, unfortunately, failed. When I lived in a monastery, church books were few. With the arm to turn up, then I read.
- But the coaches seem to have been good?
- Regarding the icons, I initially tried to pump out all the old monks. But one told me one thing, another - the other, the third - the third. And when I learned the official opinion of the Church on this matter, it turns out that this is not the first, not the second or third. Finally, I decided not to go a roundabout way, and listen to the authoritative opinion of the Church.
- And what is opinion?
- Give an icon should be in the canonical style. For us, the Orthodox icon painters, that means strictly adhere to the ancient Byzantine tradition.
- Easy to say, keep ...
- It is not easy, I agree. Not enough just to master crafts side of things. Teachers icons in those days, when I came to this case, was not. Because the technique of the icon, canons, artistic techniques and other secrets of icon painting crafts had to learn on their own. Pretty soon I realized: to do all these things seriously, you need a special ecclesiastical spirit, the constant replenishment of the true spirit of Orthodoxy. Only in this case, you can try to rethink the rich heritage that we have received from our ancestors, something to convert the light of modern understanding of the church. Only in this case, you can expect to have some decent things.
In the meantime, all that is done today, I can name only in experience. Each house painter, if he is serious about his work, must feel himself a disciple. And no more. Maybe some will not agree. But I think so.
- We understand that the most important thing in the icon - the image?
- Of course. After the icon is for prayer, for prayer Deisis, to assist and facilitate prayerful union with God, as an indication of the Incarnation. Not always looks on the icon of the art historian and a man who prays the same: an icon - not for aesthetic contemplation, it narrowly - to see it as only one kind of folk art, works of art.
- In his book "Conversations icon painter," you theologically interpreting the iconography, write: "The icon does not depict anything, it is ..."
- And this, in my opinion, completely untrue. Because in the Byzantine tradition, the icon - in contrast to the tradition of the Latin, Catholic - set out the same requirements as to the verbal sermon. As the word can distort the teachings of the Church or his right to express, just the icon - instead, to testify to the truth, it can and lzhesvideteltvovat.
In fact, an icon - a grasp of the Spirit. As the fruit of prayer is an icon and a school of prayer for those who contemplate it, and prays in front of her. With all his spiritual essence of the icon has to prayer. At the same time, the prayer takes man beyond the icons, put him in the face of the prototype - the Lord Jesus Christ, Mother of God, holy ...
- So, correctly say that God Himself, the Holy Mother, the saints look down on us with the icons?
- Right. There were cases when, during a prayer before an icon of a man seen alive depicted on it. For example, Saint Silouan saw the living Christ in his place icons.
- With all the icons of the possibility of such miracles?
- I am afraid that is not all. Look at what is happening in our churches today: the people praying in front of anything, the church filled with icons of the most unexpected and strange. Many of them, and even entire iconostasis written in a way that clearly interfere with prayer. A man should pray with an icon, not despite, for this reason it is often overlooked.
- And after all, agree that the icon - the creation of human hands, in this case, we are talking about your hands! ..
- Not exactly. Execution - yes, I agree, the matter of my hands. But the very icon - the result of creativity of the Church, and not one of a man.
- Good, but on your will, thanks to your talents organized this event ...
- Personal role here is rather conventional. It is exactly like a bishop or priest who performs worship. Hands, feet, voice - yes, it works but something Christ! Bishop stands at the place which rightfully belongs only to God. Exclusively by His grace, he is here to do His will.
The icon is born from the living experience of Heaven, from the liturgy. Therefore, icon-painting has always been regarded as a church ministry. Hence the high demands on the icon painters, such as and to the clergy.
- Can any artist can become a painter? What is needed for this?
- First of all, the desire and ability. But, as any serious business, church art to learn. Long, hard, with full dedication. Fifteen years will require the least. That if no prior training.
- And if, as you have in your pocket art school diploma? Plus indisputable?
- Less! With worldly baggage even longer need to learn. At first need to get rid of the secular art skills, they strongly interfere. Deciding to become a painter, an artist should change his whole way of life: to participate in the sacraments of the Church, to study theology, Church Slavonic. He must understand, and with all your heart and soul to what he does. Otherwise, the icon, which he writes, it will surface, unconvincing, and nothing will not testify.
Of course, you need to watch a lot of old icons, now such an opportunity. This ancient icon painters at hand had almost nothing, all written from memory. Creativity out of the living legend is impossible, but we have a living tradition of religious art cut short. Most of the ancient icons discovered relatively recently. So now we have to go through the same path followed by Russian icon-painters after the adoption of Christianity by Russia. For them, then the samples were Byzantine icons, for us now - all the old Russian heritage. Iconographic canon, as the service, developed over the centuries and formed around the XII century in this form has reached us. We must not lose it all - in any case!
- But you must agree that art is perceived in the XII century XXI ambiguous. Do not fear that something contemporary yet nedopoymet, and, consequently, can not take all my heart, including your work?
- Some religious people somehow believe that the old icon - the prerogative of specialists, even, perhaps, secular, and in the Church they are useless. Moreover, among the monks, who must be professional custodians of the spiritual heritage, one can hear such an opinion. When I asked to reveal the painted chancel barriers in the Cathedral of the Dormition Pskov-Caves Monastery, which has been preserved quite well, even though it was created back when Reverend Cornelius in the XVI century - would not agree, saying: "The old ladies would not understand." Well, someone may be, and do not understand, agree. Today there are already established and the views expressed by the Church on religious art, and even more so, the control of ecclesiastical authority over him. And in the fence of the Church is taken almost everything. Many clerics are convinced that the canonical icons difficult to perceive the common people, and it is better to replace the painting. But I'm sure that for the majority no less incomprehensible verses, heirmos himself liturgical language, not to mention the structure of worship, however, hardly anyone thought it would come easier worship for spiritual maloobrazovannosti. The task of the Church - to build people to an altitude of knowledge of God, and not the most indulgent to human ignorance. Therefore, rejecting a truly Orthodox icon, thereby calling into question the correctness of his perception of worship and, in particular, the Eucharist, from which the icon is born.
- Talent - an indispensable quality of the icon painter?
- It's one thing to feel, and yet another thing to be able to translate their feelings, emotions. Leonardo da Vinci said: where the hand does not work with the eye, there is no artist. Take an art: it is perfectly all feels, sees, but if he will take up the brush, nothing happens. I am sure that in this sense, so it is far more than is known to the public. One thing finely feel quite different to be able to clothe it in any form. Not everybody can.
- This is something that is given from God? Here you are, for example, given the talent to paint icons, but we do not ...
- Well, it means you both given. Spirit alone, talents differ. The artist must in every possible way to hone and improve their skills. I believe that the icon should be, above all, impeccable in artistic terms. Now what is written in Moscow - is a pure disgrace for the most part.
- Explain, please.
- Patriarch Alexius I asked not to bring to the temple paper flowers, because they have no truth. Even much earlier, Metropolitan of Moscow Filaret (Drozdov) said that the fake rocks and fake metals can not be used in the church's everyday life, not because they are of little value, but because they embody a lie. Any mechanical means of reproduction icons church disapproves. But, obviously, circumstances now compel ... It takes some extremely ugly forms, and in our iconic shops sell such an icon, who have no right to exist. That production, which, various workshops, do not always meet the requirements of the Church to his art. This is a very alarming symptom.
- But can machines do not come to the aid of icon painters?
- Technology has brought much harm to religious art. I noticed that people come to the Tretyakov Gallery, look at the "Trinity" by Andrei Rublev, and nothing special in it does not see. Oh so they become familiar ... And on postage stamps and postcards, and even candy boxes for Easter - is replicated throughout the great church creation. Become familiar so that people on it already and do not react as the icon at all ...
- As for candy, of course, is blasphemy. But on the other hand not every believer can afford to come to Moscow, to come to the Tretyakov Gallery ... Not uncommon for our Church, when somewhere in the backwoods people instead of icons using a color photograph. Not a good life, of course, but what to do?
- The famous Russian icon painter and theologian Leonid Ouspensky in one of his articles about the colors in the icon, once published in the Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate, very simply and convincingly explains why the color photo can not be applied in the church's everyday life: it only mimics the color, whereas own color does not matter. Because to use color photos as icons should not be. The icon must testify to the truth, and we introduce an element of falsehood wherever it by definition can not be.
For recipes of old masters
- Interestingly, its first ever in life drawing, you could remember?
- I only remember that in four years, has started something kalyakat. Since then, all the time something was trying to portray.
- What, if not secret?
- All that arm will fall: a pencil, chalk, charcoal. Simple watercolor for me in my childhood were the most desired gift. Not always came out something decent, but I tried.
- But now, the father Zinon, your works are known throughout the world, not just Orthodox. And paint you now have - any!
- How many times use the wrong colors. For example, raspisyvaya walls of the cathedral in Vienna, I worked with four colors. The icon you can afford and more colors. But keen color can not be all the same. Look at pictures of famous artists. Venetian Titian - colorist of the highest class! However, his early work several pestrovaty, too many bright draperies. But if you're in St. Petersburg and will go to the Hermitage, I think, certainly look at one of his later paintings, such as "Saint Sebastian". Only three colors, but which contains the power of the portrait, what power!
- The more restrained palette, the more valuable the picture?
- Every artist over time, becoming more mature master, seeks to dispense the minimum number of colors. Same Velazquez: his early work quite contrasting, bright, but at last it's much finer. I think this is due to both the internal growth of the artist, and the growing demand for themselves, their creativity.
- Probably, the selection and number of colors also depends on the fact that the artist conceived display: portraits of old enough to be three colors, but, say, for the girl against the backdrop of a blooming garden that is not enough. So?
- Probably. But I am writing icons. This is different. And then his own vehicle, or with the incomparable.
- In other words, have their own secrets? You could us something to open?
- In order to paint icons in the present, we must exactly observe that the technology, which they used in olden times. Traditional background in the icon has always been gold leaf (or silver). Metals these costly, so for lack of use of simple, but natural materials. In poor churches, especially in northern Russia, all the backgrounds on the icons painted bright colors. Background - the word non-Russian, icon painters call it "light". Colors should be natural, mineral based, except in the simplest, such as white lead. Primer on the board is preparing to sturgeon glue. Again, this is expensive, but in the ancient icons were expensive. I'll boil varnish, paint rubbed ... Since the boards and finishing with linseed oil coating, all trying to do himself, using recipes that have survived from the ancient masters.
- You can say that Russia now has a school of ancient Russian icon painting?
- School - the notion of academic, not a church, so it is difficult to judge. In the Ancient Rus such contacts between people, as now, was not. All lived fairly isolated, even in the dialect differed. If, for example, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Novgorod spoke as if from the depths of the larynx - Okali, the Muscovites, kaluzhane, Ryazan had been more accustomed to plow their mouths - Akali. And this manifestation of their identity. Many people in his life from his village went nowhere. They have evolved their ideas of beauty, local customs and traditions. That is why the temples were built as it was considered beautiful in their locality, and this is different. But nobody did not invent anything special. So to talk about some hot school expressed in this historical situation, I would not. "School" - it is still more than a convention, classification.
- Textbooks on ancient iconography, too, is not?
- But there are wonderful books. Advise all the same I would not. In the early eighties, when I lived in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, I brought the book his father Nicholas Afanasiev Church of the Holy Spirit. " Leafed through it and laid it aside, thinking that it was not for me. Now, without her can not imagine their work. Before all, obviously, should grow.
- In Russia today, and tens if not hundreds, workshops, even the center of icon painting. You are happy?
- In general - of course. But I believe that the requirements for those who go there to learn, must be the same as for future seminarians. And on the status of icon-painters should be equalized with the clergy. Then in the future, perhaps, will be something standing in the national iconography. In any case, the old traditions will be steadily maintained.
- Do you have students?
- No.
- Why?
- But how do you explain ... I like the Renaissance - the time of Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo. The pupils then kept in absolute rigor. As an example of learning a strict pattern: between the eye pupil and put a plaster model of oiled parchment, his head was fixed on a tripod, so as not to stir, one student turned a blind eye, and he played on a parchment absolutely precise contours of a plaster model. Then it's all gone and the student was on hand to make a drawing the same accuracy. In order for the imposition of the two figures the contours are absolutely identical. One hundred, two hundred, three hundred, a thousand times repeated the task, until, until released, as needed. Now do not teach. Offense. Nobody agrees on such hard work. But this is only a training ...
- Or is it torture?
- Probably. But if it does not achieve something serious, standing. All through work, through the flour. Until now the ability to come.
- Why in your case is insufficient, say so, skill?
- Lack of skill does not happen. Or is it or not. And what is their inability, this train is clear. A prime example - the construction of cathedrals. Fifty years after the construction of Constantinople Sophia dome collapsed, then his re-erected. Assumption Cathedral in Moscow Kremlin, first built by Russian craftsmen, worked "by eye", without accurate calculations. In the wake of all the north-western part of the cathedral. I had to "write" the wizard from abroad - he was a talented Italian architect of the XV century, Catholic Aristotle Fioravanti. As an example, he was shown the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady of Vladimir and demanded to meet the strict canon in the construction of an Orthodox church in Moscow. He looked up and built: a similar and very different. Similarly, the icon-painters: the customer shows he would like to paint the church, like any well-known model, the wizard will look, well, and that memory will remain, said. It turns out - and it looks like, and yet in its own way.
Incidentally, the Catholics at that time was considered heretics, but still invites - somewhere as it was necessary to escape from their sad sack ... Therefore, the Cathedral of St. Archangel Michael (Archangel Cathedral) in the Kremlin, the tomb of the great princes and Russian tsars, built a Catholic - a Milanese architect Aleviz Fryazin. And the Kremlin towers - it's also a work of Italian architects. All foreigners were called "Germans". In Russian does not understand, so dumb - "German". Whether it is a Frenchman or an Italian. Ours, of course, they have learned a lot. Praise God!
- But the icon painter - not the architect. Is it too high your demands to those who would like to go for you?
- Do not deny it: perhaps they are really overpriced. But on my side. On the other hand, look, what's going on! Come to me so-called disciples, in the eyes of a feverish brilliance - they want to understand the secrets of icon painting as soon as possible. And for what? Yes to immediately begin earning "big money". These hung two or three months by me, leave somewhere, then, you see, but they have separate jobs, but earn so that others can not dream. To me the same way forgotten. I looked at it and one day decided: that enough is enough! I do not need any more students. Sense from these still will not.
Voiceless sermon
- It would seem that iconoclasm has long gone. However, even today from time to time break out discussion about what is fundamentally different from the idolatrous veneration of icons, what is the essence of the words: "did not create yourself an idol"? How do you formuliruete for themselves the answers to these questions?
- In the Old Testament describes how the Israelis turned aside to idolatry. Lord through the prophets rebuked them. Why worship the dead matter: stone, wood, gold? Because of the idol there is no reality - is a fictional god. Pagans represented the gods, which never was, or they looked like ordinary people. For example, when the Romans conquered any country, the whole pantheon of local gods passed in Rome. They believed that these gods will be subjugated them to patronize. How can you believe this, and worship? The icon, though, and has the form of visible, but her reality - the incarnate God.
The Old Testament prohibition: "Do not make you a graven image" is still in force. God can not depict, because He is invisible. But when the Word became flesh, He became visible, and, hence, izobrazimym. Why ancient ikonopochitateli argued that, if allowed, in principle, the impossibility of the image of Christ, then the way we deny the reality of His incarnation? When he became visible, when God became man, talked, talked with people, it could touch, and after the Resurrection of Thomas even sensed his sores, then, therefore, it can represent. But just as he was - in human form. Over the idol is not no reality, you know? And for the icon is. That's the whole difference. Although outwardly they may look like.
- But in the Catholic Church there are sculptures of Christ and the saints - we saw them in the Vatican ...
- It is permissible, it is. In Byzantium, the same were. And bas-reliefs. The main thing is to display true God who really exists.
It should be noted that modern iconoclasm nothing to do with the ancient no. In early iconoclasts were very serious arguments. I think that even today not every priest - perhaps only a few - you will be able to explain it correctly. They did not just say "can not be described, and very convincingly argued the ban. The heresy of iconoclasm rejected the veneration of sacred images on the pretext of combating idolatry. It emerged in the 20's of the VIII century, with the active participation of the Byzantine Emperor Leo III and Constantine V. Fighting flared serious. In many respects it was a struggle of intellectuals.
Here's how, for example, characteristic of the dialogue took place one day between the emperor and one of the supporters of the veneration of icons. The emperor summoned the confessor and sternly asked: "How dare you read the idols, because you're a Christian?" He silently took out a coin with the image of the emperor, threw on the floor and trampled underfoot. The prince in a rage attacked the offender. "Well, - said he - he do not suffer, if your image of being violated and an icon of Christ, then we can!" So who of us Christian? "
Church took a half century to comprehend the problem and provide powerful arguments for the refutation of heresy. The simple assertion that the icon is needed for sound iconoclastic totally unconvincing. This dogmatic problem was addressed during the iconoclastic dispute VIII-IX centuries, and were arguing about the meaning and the possibility of transmission, the submission of the Divine nature by means of human art.
- What, in your opinion, beauty?
- Beauty is in the abstract concept - a thing quite vague, because each has his own ideas of beauty, purely individual. I can understand beauty as one of the names of God. There is a set of ascetic rules, called Philokalia. What is meant by this? I asked the old monks, and even they respond in different ways: the love of virtue, of goodness, dobrodelanie. "Kindness" - a Slavic word, meaning beauty as one of the names of God. Hence, love of beauty is the love of God.
The abundance of all kinds of information in the modern world overwhelmed rights, it caused an indifferent, frivolous attitude to the word, both orally and printed. Therefore, the most powerful, most persuasive voice is becoming an icon. Words are now very few people trust, and voiceless preaching can bring more fruits. Lifestyles priest, every Christian, icons, church singing, architecture of the temple should have the stamp of heavenly beauty.
- In his book, "Conversations icon painter," you say that in a pure form we have no good can not be. You could confirm this statement with examples from life?
- The people - of course, can not, because each of us surprised by sin. Examples of this abound in the life of each. Take the vanity, which sticks to a man like a limpet - a sin, though smaller than pride, but ...
St John of the Ladder, the great ascetic and author of a remarkable spiritual creation, called "The Ladder", was an ascetic, he lived in the V century. He wrote: "Vanity is expressed in every virtue. When, for example, keep the post - vain, and when, hiding the post from the other, allowed to eat again, vain - prudence. Dressed in a robe, to win lyubochestiem and dressed in skinny, vain .'ll say it - fall into the power of vanity. Shut up if I want, again devoted to him. Wherever we turn the thorns is, it all becomes spoke up. ... vain to look a worshiper of God, but in fact trying to please people more than God. .. " Well, and so on. The author of these lines was the abbot, when he was nearly eighty years, "The Ladder" - a book of his life. This invaluable experience not only the church, but also the everyday human life. He, in particular, confirms: in every virtue that a person tries to perform, through any thoughts, suggestions coming from outside, inevitably penetrates into something not very good. Observe the other, and you'll see this.
- You want to say that for every barrel of honey, there is always his own fly in the ointment? And how do you explain this?
- The baptism itself is not exempt us from the possibility of sin. A person wishing to live a godly life, with all the zeal and fervor starts to perform the commandments of the Gospel and that he sees? Alas, sometimes nothing but their weakness and impotence. Then each of us to really begin to hope in Christ, cry to him for help.
- And help will come without fail?
- It is important to understand: without Christ, without God's grace man can not do anything. Only God should treat those who somehow needs. To hope solely on their own forces can not - then the soul is no place to God. But by themselves, we still weak: no matter how hard, no good can not be done. Without the Lord we are nothing.
God never imposes his grace to man, but He expects us to cardiac response. Previously acquired skills are overcome and outliving hard work. Spiritual life is at such depths that are inaccessible to the outside gaze, and only God, they are visible. His love for man God has revealed the most perfect way - gave Himself to die for the salvation of man and expecting him to only reciprocal love.
How to become like Christ
- Here you are - a Christian, live on earth, and for what? Your main goal: to write as many good icons, paint every Orthodox churches?
- Icons, shrines - is not a goal, and my obedience to the church. And it's certainly not in quantity. The main goal I have, like every Christian - to become like Christ, as the forces and capabilities.
- But this goal - is unattainable for a man!
- Yes, but in fact have to try. One of the means in this way - asceticism. Restriction. So, without which there can be no Christianity, without which life is impossible in the Church. If a person is not to limit myself - he is not a Christian.
In principle, over time, nothing changes, although the forms of asceticism certainly have changed, in comparison even with the XIX century, not to mention the XIV century, or IV-m. Monasticism in such forms in which it existed in the IV century, is now impossible. And if someone thinks of it is cultivated, I am confident that it will bring bad results. Already Bishop Ignatius Brianchaninov condemned those monks who were trying to do every day for 300 bows, believing that they make something great. After all, in the ascetics ascetic feats of antiquity were only a means, and no more. A tool is needed, obviously, because they were physically very healthy people, and they had a tire.
- Post - one of such restrictions. Why in the Orthodox Church it is much stricter than the Catholic?
- We have all severe. St John Cassian wrote in the V century that the Romans positions that make the Egyptian monks, unsustainable, for reasons purely climatic. What, then, to talk about the Russian, who live much farther north. After our Typicon (Charter) and all of its regulations concerning food - appeared in Palestine, where the beginning of Lent is spring, many different kinds of herbs and vitamins. In the north of Russia at this time still winter ... So if someone thinks of exactly meet the requirements for food in Lent, it is unlikely to survive until Easter, and if they survive, then going to church will not. After the first two days of the first week are not supposed to do anything to eat or drink, on Wednesday - just after the Liturgy of Presanctified allowed to warm water with honey and a piece of bread and salt, on Thursday again, it did not eat or drink on Friday after the dismissal Liturgy allowed to brew without oil (vegetable oil), and only on Saturday, the food with oil and wine, as well, and on Sunday. In all other days sedmichnye Forty - xerophagy, and the fish - only in the Annunciation and Palm Sunday. At the Passion Week is the same position as in the first week. Hardly anyone will be able to physically withstand such a regime, while still working and visiting all the services, for example, in the monastery, where the first week day posited to make about 300 bows (and the earth, and a lap together).
- What to do?
- The fact is that before people were more physically healthy. If in the XIX century, some devotees even among the laity, could never have for all forty days of Lent until Easter, but today it no one can. But this physical limitations, they can vary depending on the physical condition of man. In addition, the Charter of the Orthodox Church with all its rigor, makes reservations: those who are infirm, those who are old, those who are on the road - it is a relief measure in the post.
But keeping the commandments: Thou shalt not kill, do not commit adultery, You shall not covet what belongs to one's neighbor - such asceticism, of course, never abolished can not be, no matter how many centuries may have passed. Without struggle with sin can not be Christianity. The word "post" is borrowed from military terminology - "to stand on guard." If you ask a man who considers himself a believer, but rarely come to church and does not get into deep questions of faith, he will say that fast - it does not eat meat and other food skoromnoy. And if you ask people the church, they say, but abstinence from food, to observe their thoughts, feelings, ie to refrain from all evil thoughts, spiritual fast.
Post - is standing in anticipation of the Church of Christ, and ends with a standing meeting with Him in the Eucharist. The life of every Christian in the Church becomes fasting (in a deep sense of the word) - preparation and expectation. (He is not terrible and Judgment!) Post is always preceded by the Eucharist, as well, and Vigil, the night life, are preparing for the liturgy. Post - is primarily focused expectation.
- Father Zinon, that young people sometimes says: go to church more often, not only at Easter, but there are too boring. But you something, when you live in the monastery, meets strict regulations, not perhaps feel no boredom. Why?
- All, perhaps, depends on the installation. I noticed one thing: the vast majority of modern people, the determining factor in life is hedonism - the thirst of pleasure. However, to live in his pleasure, need money. I remember in Moscow on every corner you could see advertising: "Take everything from life!" This is the first and is deposited in the brain, particularly young people, fragile, really do not know life. While there are forces trying to take the youth out of life is really as much as possible, but the result is often deplorable. There comes a disappointment, depression, loss of his own face. Real life - it's still not an advertisement.
- In this state, one thing remains: to go to a monastery?
- Not necessarily. Must simply live according to commandments of Christ, and all certainly will improve. In the light of the many worthy activities. Create your own family, have children, raise them - it is no less a feat than the works in the monastery. Maybe even more. Everyone must choose a lifestyle in accordance with its internal spiritual inclinations, because God has blessed, and he and the other life. No need to turn the world into a monastery. Everyone must make their own choice and then follow it.
- How to "lure" people in the church?
- A and do not have to lure him. Have fun going to church? When a person goes to the theater or the movies, he waits, he would see or hear something new. And in the Church, we are going to the same thing. There is nothing new. Previously, Christians gathered in every Sunday, which is called the Lord, was the day of the Eucharist. In the Roman Empire it was the first day of the week. The seventh was a Saturday - a day off, a day of rest and peace. A week begins on Sunday, the first day. But for Christians, it is because the day when he remembered the Resurrection of Christ, the day of His special presence. Liturgy was accomplished, and all partook of the body and blood of Christ. So later in the Roman and Byzantine empires and Sunday announced the weekend. Christians meet regularly in the church to the Eucharist - the action, in general, the same thing. But for believers is always something new.
- Explain, please.
- Jesus Christ - forever alive, and He can never get bored believer. If people Christians love Christ, it means that every encounter with him desirable. Christians differ in this world from other people? Only those that truly love Christ. And nothing else.
Of course, if you go to church just to watch and listen to it soon, after the third, say, twice, it might bore. But it so happens, if not himself involved in the church's action does not begin to live a new life. Otherwise, nothing interesting here will not find, and then actually better to go to the cinema or the disco.
In another way it is necessary ...
- Remember your first iconostasis?
- Of course, it still exists in the Church of Elijah the Prophet in Odessa. While still a student art school, I worked with the masters who did not own iconographic technique. So did what we could, using the ubiquitous then picturesque academic style. It is, in my opinion, in 1972.
- From leadership school for you is not hot for?
- No, no one then knew nothing. Then I was in the Cathedral of Odessa icons wrote. And so it went ...
- You as the creator, perhaps, it is difficult to carve out a most important their work. For you they are probably all like children. And, nevertheless, some "pets" you probably have?
- The fact is that when I finish another job, three days or a little more understanding: there should have been done quite differently. But the fix was nothing to be - what happened, that is.
- What are the churches you painted? Let's try to compile a list of at least the basic of your work.
- In 1976 I entered the Pskov-Pechora monastery, very rich in its iconic tradition, became a monk. Icon has become my main ministry, even though at first they had to write icons semi-legally, because this activity was equated to religious propaganda. But over time it became easier. So, the most significant, from what I wrote there, is probably the iconostasis of churches Martyr Cornelius, of the Protection of the Assumption Cathedral and in the Pechersk holy hill. For the ancient Holy Trinity Cathedral in Pskov created the iconostasis of the lower church, consecrated in the name of St. Seraphim of Sarov. This was, I think, in 1988.
- All these years you have not traveled from Pskov?
- No, why, had to absent himself - not once. In 1979, Patriarch Pimen called me in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.
- Why you? You were personally acquainted with the Patriarch Pimen?
- So be it. Patriarch Pimen liked to come to Odessa and the rest at his residence. It certainly went to the cathedral. And once the summer came just at the time when I was there, writing something. With him was Metropolitan Sergius of Odessa, he then introduced me, a boy, the Patriarch of Russia. Somehow, the Holy remembered me, though I was not a monk, but simply in their leisure time in art school he worked in the temple. Well, then, when needed, His Holiness Patriarch Pimen called me in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.
- What is the relationship you have developed with the patriarch?
- The most friendly. In addition, the patriarch Pimen was a great connoisseur of ancient icon painting, also highly valued and modern masters, who dare to work in the Byzantine style. These, unfortunately, were few. Famous at the time of Maria Nikolaevna Sokolova, secret nuns, who took the tonsure in the name of the martyr Juliana. I called her mother, Mary ... Holy woman! She was a spiritual daughter of the holy and righteous Alexis Mechev, much in the monastery belongs to her wrist. In the Moscow Theological Academy was established restoration and workshop of painter, Sokolova it led. By the time called me, Maria was in a very advanced age, and work is already almost could not. Apparently, the Patriarch Pimen thought that in some degree I could replace it. To object did not make sense, and not taken from us to argue with elders, especially the Holy. Do what you ordered, it is obedience! ..
- What good could you create in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra?
- In the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, I wrote iconostasises chapels in the crypt of the Assumption Cathedral, as well as many other icons. Seven years he lived there. Although it is quickly realized: Capital monastery not for me. Too noisy, crowded with people - and so every day! Welcome to yet believers, so mostly tourists - Bystanders ... All this is terribly distracted me from work, it was hard to concentrate. In the end I could not resist and asked for home - in a more calm and sweet heart near Pskov. Posted petition patriarch.
However, the Holy let me for some reason did not want to. Instead, sent to restore the Danilov Monastery. In 1983 he returned to the ruined monastery of the Church, and we began to prepare for the celebration of 1000 anniversary of the Baptism of Rus. There I worked for a year, no longer able - Moscow is not for me, tacky town, to the most livers took ... Posted the second petition of the patriarch, and then the Holy I finally let go. About a year later I was invited to the Vladimir region, where I painted the church of St. Paraskeva Friday. And then he returned and I was already working calmly in his Pskov-Caves Monastery, where he wrote a lot of different icons.
- Few people know about your work in the Moscow suburb of Semkhoz, where he lived and died tragically Alexander Men. You yourself have volunteered to paint the church in the name of St. Sergius of Radonezh, built on the spot death of a priest?
- I invited my father Victor, the abbot of the temple. Had already begun to postpone the case, but I reject, of course, could not. Alexander I was a youth, I admire.
- You knew?
- Unfortunately, no. While I was living just five kilometers from the father of Alexander - the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, but with it just never met. But his book, for example, a series of "Finding the Way, the Truth and the Life", read with great pleasure. Books published abroad and going under the pseudonym Emanuel Svetlova. They helped me to understand more about church life, to understand their role in it. Not everyone around me at the time the monks disapproved of these works, and I'm used to not rely on other people's tastes.
- But then still met with him - Temple of Blood "soul of the father of Alexander certainly attend ...
- The temple was built near the place where 9 September 1990 hitherto unknown murderers attacked the father of Alexander and inflicted mortal wounds ... This is only imagined - the creeps. I just wanted to do something special, and I thought not quite usual for Russian churches the iconostasis. Ancient tradition - the frescoes in the limestone. You take a living stone, and you put him on the solution. Painting done on wet plaster. The trick is that the plaster absorbs the paint four or five hours, no more so by the time of the final drying of the whole work should be completed. For more detail something there may be, but in general, the icon should have time to write. Pressed for time! But nothing, I'm kind of right - the six icons were painted in a week. By the way, used material, specially brought from Pskov. We have there beautiful limestone - durable, clean in color ... In my opinion, get what they need.
- Tell us about their work in Mirozhsky monastery.
- In general it looks like this: in his works all the time I'm trying to go back to the origins of Russian Christianity. Here and in Mirozhsky monastery church started with a space: instead of the usual today iconostasis reconstructed drvneyshuyu form a low stone altar barrier. And its frescoes painted in the Byzantine style. With the help of Italian archives restored the Greek liturgy of ancient examples ...
- Tell us about your overseas operations.
- The Exaltation of the Cross Church of the Benedictine monastery in Shevetoni (Belgium), I created a composition of frescoes, among which "Christ - The Coming Judge", "Heavenly Jerusalem" and others. Novo-Valaam monastery in Finland - the refectory was painted entirely in France, Germany did iconostasis, in Italy, taught in the iconographic school. Painted the upper church of St Nicholas Cathedral in Vienna and wrote an iconostasis for the lower church.
The Holy Spirit and the apostles
- Please tell us about his work at the Vienna St. Nicholas Cathedral. It is the most magnificent temple of the Moscow Patriarchate outside its canonical territory. The challenges set before you, Bishop Hilarion (Alpheus)?
- It is large and, indeed, difficult. At first, I did not hurt, I wanted him to undertake. I agreed to paint the Vienna church only because he had long been acquainted with Bishop Hilarion.
- And why did not wish to undertake?
- Yes is old already, I do not want to spend on my nerves all sorts of nonsense. Because of my experience I know: agree with the bishops always easy. We have to engage in endless arguments, to prove their case, to spend quite a lot of pointless conversations precious time - no, I do so I can not ...
- But with Bishop Hilarion, apparently, do you have other relationships?
- We know very long time. And his mother I know very well, she brought home the future ruler of another twelve boy in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, when I then labored. Then we met in the Pskov-Pechersk Lavra, on many occasions. Then came together. Our views on major issues of religious art the same, so with this man that I work quickly and efficiently, without hassle.
All the time I do that suggests to me is life itself. As the forces and capabilities. Vienna is not terribly temple, I wanted to paint, but then I wondered. In each situation, I used to find something they like, when the work is in the soul, or anything else not even dream like.
- And when she was you "prefer"?
- When the head was born in composition and the decision itself murals. Before that, I just do not understand how and what I would do. If Bishop Hilarion took pity on me and then said: "Well, do not want, and do not have - I would refuse, and perhaps not even sorry.
- How did the idea of painting the Vienna cathedral?
- When I arrived here the first time, all looked, it became clear that the architecture of the temple poorly adapted for the painting. Take the sanctuary: the windows are too high and the distance between them is insufficient, why it is so difficult to place where the image. Whether it is in the process of building some adjustments were made, or whether something else - but when erected a temple on the painting can be seen, not thought. Dome again - at first I was not very clear how to do it. Diameter is relatively small - only five meters. Also from the center down the wire and chain, they suspended chandelier. The image of the Almighty to place in these conditions is impossible. What? I have long thought, until it dawned on me: we must show on the dome of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.
- About this event is told in the Acts of the Apostles "...
- Yes, of course. In the fiftieth day after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ's apostles, together with the Mother of God and other disciples of Christ, gathered "unanimously together. Suddenly a strong wind blew, which "filled the whole house where they were. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and resting upon each of them. And they were all the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave they predveschevat (Deyan.2 ,1-4). So Christ gave the Apostles the ability and strength to preach his teachings to all peoples. Note that these compositions were allowed in Orthodox churches in the past.
- Where and when?
- Unfortunately, not survived to this day the famous dome of the church of St. Sophia of Constantinople, who became the VI century the main miracle of the Byzantine Empire. This is where the ancient icon painters depicted the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. And here in Greece in the monastery of St. Luke (osios Lucas), located on the western slopes of Mount Helicon between Boeotia and Phocis - its history back a thousand years, is one of the most remarkable monuments of Byzantine architecture and art - this mosaic still exists. The idea is beautiful: the Holy Spirit descends on the Apostles through all the congregation of the Church ... As soon as I realized this once I have the whole composition and lined up.
- For such a grand thing you come alone?
- Used to working independently - do not do ... However, when measured the amount of work on time, it appeared that about three years of work here, as a minimum. Of course, we could all do the same, but people need the temple of God, and wait for so long they can not. Because time I squeezed three times, and I offered to call for help several icon painters from Russia. Under my supervision - all the same story had already been determined - and they finished the plan.
- You was not difficult to climb to the very dome of the cathedral? Forty yards here, if not more. One misstep ...
- The last time at this altitude, I worked in 1980. I thought that no longer can, but then again climbed - and nothing, cling. Bishop Hilarion raised several times here, too, says - normally. Touched the dome hand ... I think that in the next few hundred years before the walls of the human hand can no longer touch.
- The monumental painting has its own specifics - what it is?
- The complexity of the painting of the dome is that it should primarily be seen from a distance. This icon may look close, and at a distance. A dome - is the work of the special.
- What helps you work?
- Church music. Put on the headphones, turn on the player, take a hand brush and go! ..
- Father Zinon, and you have a website on the Internet?
- No. Why?
- If your work can be put on the Internet, the whole world could watch and admire ...
- The question is how to collect my work, because they are now scattered around the world. Unrealistic even photographed.
- Why?
- It's not every private owners of my work will agree to this. I am here once in Moscow, wrote an icon of the Annunciation for one person. Then he wanted to look at her - did not work. Even a photocopy do not allow.
- What motivates your refusal?
- Personally, with the owner of the icons I do not know, communicated through an intermediary. The man said that there was nothing I could not help - the owner saves this icon so that nobody wants to even show.
Bach to help!
- Here you mentioned that you will be assisted by church music. I would like to clarify your musical preferences.
- When I write, often listen to Bach. I consider him the greatest composer of all time. "Goldberg Variations" - a veritable masterpiece. "St. Matthew Passion" - indeed, the divine music. It seems to me that there are no bad Bach compositions. Even Mozart is weak, and in no Bach. The musician said: all that I have achieved, it is only because of their tremendous hard work. If everyone will work hard as I could achieve even more. But he was a mere organist in the church ...
- Bishop Hilarion (Alpheus), as is known, wrote the music. It you like?
- His "St. Matthew Passion" I listened to in Rome, in the concert hall - me, they say, 'struck. Lord gave me a CD with their works - listen while you work. The idea of filling the old form of "Passion", which existed before Bach, the Orthodox content to my liking. Turned out "St. Matthew Passion", where the texts of the Orthodox worship, and the music itself always refers to the church service. This can not please.
- How many hours a day do you work? You could introduce us to his routine of the day?
- For the monk rate up at five, but I wake up several times before - pray, read Scripture, Old and New Testaments, Gregory the Theologian ...
- How long?
- Two hours. Then begin to do something. I pray during work and after ... Work used alone, to me, no distraction. To pray without ceasing, but many forms of prayer, you know?
- What prayer do you most often commit?
- In the monastery, above all, accustomed to the Jesus Prayer. Since then, more often I turn to Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the true God to pardon. When writing the figures of the Apostles, then think about them, mentally speaking to them.
- Father Zinon, as a Christian, you are not able to give spiritual advice: it is best to read at the morning prayer?
- I advise you to read first from the Old Testament, then from the Gospels and Epistles of the Apostles. And then read everything that your soul wishes: prayers from the canons, akathist, chapters from the Bible. Just remember one thing: this should involve both mind and heart that this was not a mere formality for you. Otherwise, your prayer labor in vain. For me the most important - is the reading of Scripture. Word of God brought personally to each person. Not all collectively. This is for myself such a conclusion is made.
"Ye be not judged ..."
- How do you feel about people who call themselves atheists?
- In truth I say: atheist living in the fullest sense of the word I have never met. Always turns out that in some narrow circumstances people suddenly turn to God. Atheism - the same from idleness or some kind of bravado. What does "atheist"? In ancient Greece, if a person openly stated that he does not believe in the gods, he was considered a lunatic. As in Soviet times, the faithful believed people narrow-minded, ill. Is it possible, looking at the world around us with sober eyes, thinking that he has no Creator? The same, if worn on the hand watches and say that they themselves were formed ...
- Father Zinon, you think: a person who does not accept God's mind, but practically lives according to Christian beliefs, has a chance at salvation?
- Pronounced such courts do not consider myself competent. And in general all our courts on the ground do not mean anything. Can lead judgment Saint Silouan, which I totally agree with. He said that when, during a prayer mourned throughout the world - and the Reverend highest stage of prayer felt prayer for peace - when he heard the voice of Christ, addressed to him: "Why are you crying about the world, do not you know that I have compassion on all man who at least once in life called my name? " Then he had an idea: why I sit here, take their own comfort and pleasures of life? And he replies: "Those I only have pity, but like you, are my friends."
Like many religious people, I believe that the grace that brought Christ, extends far beyond the Church. The Apostle Paul in Romans said the same thing: there are laws written on the tablets of the heart - the natural laws. Even Gentiles, who do not formally belong to the Church, which come under this law closer to Christ than the hypocritical Christians. Those who do not recognize themselves as Christians, but live according to the commandments of Christ, they would be irresponsible as Christians. When they are brought to Christ, then clear up the whole truth about them. But we judge their right not to have.
- How do you think of the hypocrisy? For example, the notorious priest John Okhlobystin recently starred in the film, playing a major role - Grigory Rasputin. I would like to know your opinion: is it permissible for a priest played a role in a movie?
- There are things that can occur when life poses some special conditions. In the early Church - in the early Church - if someone from litsedeev, actors, wanted to become a Christian, be baptized, the first thing required of him is to renounce his art, to leave him. Why? Because Mummery is incompatible with Christianity. Acting depends on the ability to transform into another person: the stronger reincarnate, the more convincing game. And this moment the most dangerous for the spiritual life. What in Christianity there are prayer, penance? In order to be able to be himself. We actors do we get the opposite: we must regularly are different, and while it does not matter, you are positive or negative character depict. Well, as it is now looking at a formal rejection of the Church, I do not know. Loosen up a lot of different ...
- But your opinion of something?
- I believe that acting is unacceptable for a simple lay person, a believer, but for the cleric, so simply dangerous.
Pilgrims felt like a miracle
- Father Zinon, we, of course, represent, how you relate to astrology. However, at the starry sky, you probably see. Meditation on the influence of space for people?
- It can be assumed that the location of the planets may somehow affect the person's mood. But our lives, destinies, as they say, depend on the stars in the sky can not. The ancient Greeks believed in the rock, the Church is always referred to the category of superstition. If a Christian would believe horoscopes, all sorts of predictions, then it is generally to any virtuous life is not capable. Will take some days good, favorable, when you can do all sorts of Christian virtues, but what about in other days? So, for the virtues they do not work. St. John Chrysostom denounced Byzantine society in such things. A Christian should not be afraid of anything, because "an idol is nothing in the world" - as the Apostle Paul says.
Of all the hell brought Christ
- There is a definition of hell: "too late". You think it is accurate? How do you treat the assumption of St. Isaac the Syrian about what the hell - it is not eternal, but a temporary abode of sinners, who, in the end, will be forgiven?
- So you Isaac the Syrian know? Well, things! .. Concerning the hell, I can give you the words of British writer CS Lewis - was a Christian believer. He said: "I am sure that hell certainly exists, but its doors were locked from the inside." I think that the person against the will of God will never send him to hell. This one chooses himself. And a man can do so in his life - himself and others to arrange hell. Because without God, life is becoming hell.
St Theophanes the Recluse in one of his letters says that the demons will tempt the person with the same passions and lures, which he nalovlyalsya in this life. After the exodus from the body of a drunkard, for example, will be shown a bottle, and he will run for her, because she is his desire. If a person always intended to Christ, then Christ, and he chooses. I do not know that experience, which would be absolutely reliable, but those who had been to hell and back - such, perhaps not. Although there is some insight.
- You are in his work do not use these inferences?
- Well, why do I have the icon "The Resurrection of Christ" ( "The Descent into Hell") - is portrayed in the destroyed hell. The fact is that after the Resurrection the hell away with - "to be angry, for abolition", says St. John Chrysostom, in his "Paschal Word", which is read at the Paschal Matins. And away with, then, there is no hell, which proceeded and the righteous and sinners, he deserted. Today for some reason, little attention is paid to these liturgical texts. Christ from hell brought all - that's for sure. According to the chants of the Church - all! We somehow believe that only the righteous. So I absolutely agree with Isaac when he speaks of hell as a vehicle which is not intended as revenge for the sins - because God do not take revenge, he is good by nature, by nature his own image, and cause no harm to anyone will not. And Hell - is a means to cleanse those who have not cleared yet in this life. But even a short stay in hell scary and painful.
Isaac, I think most modern theologian. It provides answers to such complex questions, from which others shy away or do silent. God, even if the person puts in some tests, the goal of his only good person. Can not even the idea that God is infinite forever to execute people for any sins they have committed in a short period of earthly life. First, God can not punish anyone, because He loves every creature. Secondly, if we assume infinite suffering, then we must admit the infinity of evil.
- So the hell - no?
- Why not? I told myself that each of his suits. And what do you need, with the fire pan and boiling pot? Frankly, I have little interested in the problem of hell. The main thing for me - Jesus Christ. Without Him, any state - hell. Those who have asked, have in mind some kind of vulgar "hell". But this is all wrong ... That is why today I do not recommend writing on the western wall of the temple Judgment. Maybe in the Middle Ages, it is someone and could frighten and through the fear to induce a virtuous life. Now - is unlikely. Most people will inspire preaching that God is perfect love, what Isaac said. This may induce a greater virtue than any intimidation. One theologian, asked how one can speak about hell after Hitler's Auschwitz and Stalin's Gulag? After all, people in the land of hell arranged such that the worst and you could not.
Why dilute Christianity?
- Pravda said that the Church - the most democratic institution that has ever existed on earth?
- Such a definition I have not heard: what is the Church of democratic? First, you need to clarify the term. What was democracy in ancient Greece, you know? For example, the right to vote, had only 20 percent of the citizens of the policy, the most conscientious voters. And the power of the majority, the crowd called mob rule. Are different things. Democracy - it is not the ideal form of social organization, absolutely.
- But, as Churchill said - better still nothing came up.
- Why: In my opinion, the best form of government - a theocracy. This is when the people ruled by God inspired the personality and the prophets. That's when the prophets of impoverished, due to corruption of morals, came monarchy. After that theocracy is not never resumed. Similarly, in Russia should take the year 1917 under the thick line, and nothing about how the monarchy could not dream. If you carefully read the "Book of Kings", then find there, as Israel sought a king, following the example of "other people", that is pagan. Monarchy - not God established form of governance.
- God did not want to give them, but gave?
- Yes, it happened that way. The people demanded, and he told the prophet Samuel to anoint Saul the throne. Then Samuel said to have sinned: people, when asked for a king. That is, God went on assignment.
- What are some lines from the Bible you will come to mind, for example, during the work? What you to the most exciting?
- Every word is there - the Spirit and Life.
- Right. But there is something to which people return permanently? Every time reading and thinking: but this is - exactly the best thing ... Perhaps something helps you in your work?
- In every situation in life certainly comes to something as a keepsake, and you already act in accordance with this knowledge. Not for nothing did St. Seraphim of Sarov said that the Scriptures should be read consistently to mind as a "floating" in the Law of God. Then you will always know how to do that was by God unto ... Word of God guide man. He builds his life in accordance with the commandments of Christ - that seems to be all.
But no. At the beginning of the spiritual path is usually recommended to have a confessor. Why? As the man himself has not yet matured in the faith, he often needs advice. I will give you an example: when the mother has four children and wipes his nose - it's normal. But when this same child for forty years and I was wiping his nose with my mother's shawl - this is normal. And here the same way - you can not have a lifelong nurse. We must own to grow spiritually to be able to help others and, if necessary.
And so it is difficult to say what place of the Gospel helps me to work. I think that often come to mind the words of Christ that, if the salt loses its strength and becomes a no-nothing, it's easy to throw. This is about us, Christians. If you cease to be "salt of the world" - but the salt in the understanding of ancient protects all around from rotting - it all gets messed up, collapse. Christians keep the world from complete disintegration.
- Christianity is not for everyone?
- Only for those who believed and accepted Jesus Christ with all my heart. You see, Muslims are living in poverty, and children in each family a lot. In the Christian states of Europe, which economically provide better Muslim, one or two children, but often not a single one.
- In this you see a sign of degeneration?
- I see big trouble. According to statistics, during the year throughout the world committed to a hundred millions of abortions, in fact, possibly more. How much is innocently killed shower? For ten years - one billion, one sixth of the world's population! .. A terrible blow, including the church.
- What is your prediction in this regard at least the next hundred years?
- I think that the Church began as a "small flock", so "small flock", and end. But Christianity never disappear.
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24.07.2009, 10:50
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