Some Features of the Poetic Skill Archbishop John Maksymovych in the Poem «Virgin Mary Composed for the Holy Trinity»

Abstract

The thesis presents a study of literary heritage, specifically, a poem entitled Virgin Mary Composed for the Holy Trinity (1707) by John Maksymovych, a baroque writer, preacher and educational figure of the end of the 17th century – beginning of the 18th century. For ages, artistic value and genuineness of the poem has been questioned. History of Ukrainian literature formed a certain canon approaching Hail Mary poem as an insignificant work, appeal to Mother of God in verse borrowed by the author from the predecessors. The thesis defines the sources and names of authors whose literary works, spiritual guidance of ascetism and philosophical outlook were used by St. John Maksymovych as life patterns and could inspire him to compose Hail Mary. The work also analyzes literary peculiarities of author prayer, its classification, characteristics, use traditions and functions in baroque poetry. The richness of prayer by St. John Maksymovych is demonstrated in the abundance of art devices which not only draw the reader's attention to general Christian dogmas and values but also allow the author to share the peculiarities of praying in everyday life. For St. John Maksymovych, poetic work was a special form of spiritual rebirth where author prayer was the only true essence of human life, understanding the God's Truth and a chance for penance and salvation. Combining the best examples of Eastern and Western praying, St. John Maksymovych managed to create one of the best author prayer works in the history of Ukrainian literature in general and the Baroque epoch in particular.