Ivan Shmelev on the Baptism Feast: the poetics of holiness in "The Year of the Lord" Introduction: Baptism as the quintessence of "holy Russia" In the autobiographical chronicle novel "The Year of the Lord" (1933-1948), Ivan Sergeyevich Shmelev creates not just a memory of childhood, but a liturgical epic of pre-revolutionary Russian life, where each church holiday becomes the center of the cosmos. The Baptism of the Lord (Epiphany) occupies a special place in this calendar — it is not just an episode, but a symbolic peak of winter and one of the most vivid manifestations of the idea of unity, awe, and wonder. Shmelev describes the holiday through the perception of a child (the boy Vanya), but with the profound theological and cultural knowledge of an adult, which gives rise to a unique effect of "alienation" — the sacred appears as for the first time, but with a full understanding of its essence. Structure of the holiday: from domestic comfort to universal action Shmelev constructs the narrative of the Baptism as a gradual expansion of space, from the family circle to a national celebration. Canun ('Baptism Eve'): The preparation begins at home. This is a time of strict fasting ('not eat until the first star'), but filled with a special, focused expectation. The central ritual is the consecration of water at home. The arrival of the priest with 'baptism' is described as a joyful, solemn event for the whole family and the servants. 'And behold, they brought us the Jordan... in a large silver chalice, on a cloth...' The water is consecrated by prayer, sprinkling, and the immersion of the cross. This is the first, private manifestation of the sacred. Night before the holiday: Shmelev notes an important detail — 'baptismal frosts' as an integral part of the sacred action. 'Outside the frost is cracking, the rafter doors are creaking, and in my heart it is so clear, so holy...' The cold is not hostile, it is a participant in purity and clarity. The main event — 'Jordan' ... Read more