Выносной крест и переходящая икона: реплики богослужебных практик в зоне католическо-православного пограничья и их динамика в позднесоветское и постсоветское время

Abstract

The article describes two religious ritual practices widespread in the Catholic Orthodox borderland and formed under the influence of (para)liturgical practices as a kind of "replica" of them. The use by the rural community of a cross similar to the cross carried during processions and funerals probably began during the Soviet period, when church funeral processions were banned and then the churches were closed. These crosses, made by locals, are kept in the homes of those revered as religious leaders and belong to the entire village community. When someone dies in the village, this cross is taken to the house of the deceased and then it is carried with the coffin to the cemetery. Another rite called the Rite of the Candle is the veneration of an icon or a special candle belonging to whole village community. On a certain Christian holiday, the “Candle” is carried from the house where it has been located during the year to another where it will be located through the next year. The rite was apparently formed at the time of the spread of the Union of Brest and on the territory where it was in force. In Soviet times, this rite, which retained its main features, has been considered by local residents as a substitute of church services. The rite reflects liturgical and paraliturgical practices that are widespread: the proskomidia, the consecration of bread, wine and oil, the collection and use of material evidence of piety, and the passing under the shrine. The very moment of carrying the "Candle" from house to house resembles a procession. At the same time, in the attitude to the place of the Candle’s stay we can see the construction of a sacred space replacing inaccessible temples: as long as the "Candle" is in the house, this house is open to any visitor at any time. Any person, even those who do not know the owners, can come there, pray, light a candle, ask for help. Both the cross and the icon or candle are regarded as common property, not belonging to anyone in particular, but representing an undoubted sacred object with which the rural community associates itself. At present, rituals are being reborn and adapted to new conditions.