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Alexander Nevsky as the personification of the Russian army. The modern crisis of personality and the greatness of the example of St.

Developments recent years showed that we have lost a lot. We have forgotten how to live according to the laws of our ancestors, in the Christian spirit - as God commands and teaches the Holy Church. We have lost the old foundations and continuity traditional way life, and we have to restore it, if we do not want spiritual and moral degradation and degeneration. Among the many tasks facing Russian society today, the most important is the restoration of the historical memory of the people, Orthodox faith values, ideals, moral guidelines, domestic folk traditions in social, family life and in the upbringing of children.

The problem of educating the younger generation today is the main one for Russia

The problem of educating the younger generation today is the main one for Russia. Its priority is recognized by teachers, parents, the Church, public and statesmen, but there are very, very few beneficial and effective steps - due to the lack of unanimity among adults, designed to provide a worthy upbringing.

To educate a spiritual and moral personality means to find support in her person for the future family, church community, professional team, state and society. And here one cannot do without the succession of national ideals - ascetics of faith and piety, examples of holiness, patriotism, valor and honor. One of the clearest examples of this for many centuries for our compatriots is the holy noble Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky, a descendant and heir to the legendary princely family of the Monomakhoviches. Rod, who gave Russia 15 of the 18 Grand Dukes and 20 saints. A clan that not only accepted Orthodoxy, but embraced the whole depth of the Christian way of life and understanding that power means serving God, its people, and has nothing of itself. It was the Monomakhoviches who began to effectively form the idea of a single Orthodox state in Russia.

In Alexander Nevsky, the service to God, Orthodoxy and the people is most fully combined

The holy noble Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky has served our compatriots as an image of holiness for many centuries. From that tragic era, it is difficult for us to find similar examples of such a consistent life feat, since the service to God, Orthodoxy and his people is most fully combined in the noble Prince Alexander.

What did it consist of immortal feat and good example of Alexander Nevsky? Why did he become a national hero of Russia, an outstanding grand duke, a wise politician-diplomat, a brave commander and a glorified saint of the Orthodox Church? In what ways did his earthly life go, passing, in the words of historians, as “between a hammer and anvil”? These questions can only be answered by carefully studying the evidence of ancient chronicles, lives and other sources.

Fate gave Prince Alexander Yaroslavich only 43 years (1220-1263) of earthly life. At first he was the ruler of the Novgorod land, the defender of Novgorod and Pskov, and from 1249 he became the Grand Duke of Vladimir, the head of all Russia. Alexander ruled the country of the Russians in the most difficult time of the Tatar-Mongol yoke and the German, Livonian and Swedish Catholic knightly orders that took up arms from the west and north. He became famous as a wise politician and a talented commander, who aroused admiration even among his enemies.
In 1263, at the end of November, returning from the Horde, he died in Gorodets on the Volga, having taken monastic tonsure - a schema with the name Alexy. Having learned about the death of the prince from a messenger during the service, Metropolitan Kirill then said from the pulpit of the temple: “My children, know that the sun of the Russian land has set.” And then miracles took place, signifying that an extraordinary person completed his life path. And the Russian chronicler wrote down the words: "... God glorify your saint, who has worked hard for our land and for Novgorod and Pskov and for the whole Russian land, believing his life, for Orthodox Christianity."

Modern world, not excluding Christians, is simply sick with paralysis of irresponsibility

From the feat of life of Alexander Nevsky, we see what moral height and strength the Christian duty and civic responsibility reached in him. The modern world, including Christians, is simply ill with the paralysis of irresponsibility. Irresponsibility is shameful and disgusting in all areas of human life. But it is precisely it that permeates today all layers of social and family life.

Russian philosopher I.A. Ilyin once wrote that due to the impoverishment of spirituality, the inability to experience religious experience, “the sense of duty and responsibility has shaken in humanity. Spirit is creative energy; it's natural for him impute done to yourself and reply for what has been done. This feeling is the surest sign of spirituality.

Any person can become an ascetic, become a saint, reach the level of great saints, if only he wishes it with all his being. Many have read the answer of St. Seraphim of Sarov to the question: “Why aren’t the miracles performed by the ancient Christians now?” And the monk answered: “Because people don’t have that determination and zeal for pleasing God and serving as before.” In this context, the concepts of "determination" and "responsibility" are extremely close.

His whole life can be likened to an icon, an image, according to which the rulers of Russia and its defenders should build their activities. On the icon of St. Alexander Nevsky in the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, at the shrine with relics, the four main hypostases of the prince are reflected: as an ideal leader - he is dressed in a grand prince's mantle, as a defender of the faith - points the way to Christ, as a warrior - dressed in military armor, as folk hero - stands on Russian soil, like the "Sun of the Russian land." This marvelous icon fully embodies Alexander Nevsky as a symbol of Russia.

What is the ruler of the people, such are those who serve under him(Sir. 10:2). Personal education, especially at a young age, is based on the imitation of positive examples. For all Christians, the Supreme Ideal is Christ. The Apostle Paul also points out the way of approaching the Ideal: Therefore, I beseech you: imitate me, as I imitate Christ(Cor. 4:16).

The Holy Fathers of the Church recommend perfection, ascending “from strength to strength”: “It is not easy to immediately imitate Christ. Imitate first your good neighbors. Let this be the first step. Imitate the good people of your people. Let this be the second step. Then imitate the great saints of the Church. This will be the third step. And finally, imitate Christ. This is a peak that it is impossible to climb with one jerk ”(St. Nicholas of Serbia).

By his example, Alexander Nevsky sets us the image of educating a whole, spiritual and moral personality - as a Christian, a family man and a citizen. These three most important components constitute the general line of pedagogical activity, carried out in cooperation between the family, the school and the Church, parents, teachers and pastors. Without their unanimity and without selfless labor in caring for “these little ones,” the upbringing of a whole personality is also unattainable.

Spirit Education is the upbringing of a Christian, which is feasible only with the participation of the Church, the pastoral care of parents, children and teachers in order to gain unanimity, harmony and Christian love.
Education of the soul of a well-behaved and noble is the upbringing of a family man the grace-filled structure of family life in the Christian way of life and church tradition.
body education is the education of a citizen- a patriot who loves the Fatherland and is able to defend it, to which young men are called most of all - through the efforts of the State, the Church and the public school.

If parents, teachers and pastors achieve this in unanimity in the upbringing of children - making them children of God, the Church, Fatherland and parents - then everything else: education, development of talents, health and the necessary means of life - will be added, as the Lord said about it. in the Sermon on the Mount: Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all this will be added to you.(Matthew 6:33).

"The Face of the Saint in hagiographic literature" Epigraph: The name of the Saint, given to him,
more expressive than the Great.
N.M. Karamzin
Purpose: Compare the image of Alexander
Nevsky as a historical figure and as
hero of hagiographic literature.
MHK Grade 8

Old Russian literature

700 years
The focus of Russian spirituality and patriotism
Why is it necessary to know ancient Russian literature?
Her images and ideas in
other
writers
The basis of all Russian
literature
Creates love for
Fatherland

Old Russian literature

In the 10th century
The beauty of the syllable
Majesty of Thought
Simplicity
content
sources
The reasons
folklore
AdoptionCulture of Byzantium and
Christianity in Bulgaria

Genres

Annals
Eloquence
Lives
legends
instructions
legends

Features of Old Russian Literature

Historicism of content
Etiquette form, canons
Anonymity
handwriting

Hagiographic literature as a special genre

life
Target
vita
glorification
biography
Bishops
Patriarchs
monks
saints

Life features

deliberation
narrative
Tripartite:
introduction,
actual life,
conclusion
Division by
positive and
negative
heroes
Selection from life
saint only
positive
facts
Few dates
narration
unfolds on
eternity background
No individual
crap

Dictionary

"Agios" - from the Greek "holy",
"graphos" - "I write" - the biography of the saints.
"Canon" - from the Greek "norm, pattern".
Icon - from the Greek "eikon", - "image,
object of worship "- picturesque
image of God, saint or saints.
A saint is a person who has dedicated his life
God. Doing good and hating evil,
deserving of God for his love and faith
special gifts, such as the gift of miracles.

Icon of Alexander Nevsky

Above is a purple mantle with
sable collar.
(noble, princely family)
Under the mantle is chain mail.
(warrior, commander)
Sword in hand - an indication of the spiritual
scolding, intercession.
. (defender of the earth, Russian faith)
Above the head is a golden halo and
luminous glare.
(signs of the Divine
presence, holiness)
Face - calmly sad,
detached from all vanity and
earthly.

10. Historical background

11. The history of the creation of life

Alexander Nevsky as the wise
statesman and
dedicated to the great commander
life. This product was
written in Christmas
monastery in Vladimir, where he was
buried prince.
The author of the life knew the prince, was
witness to his state affairs
and feats of arms. Scientists
believe that the life is written
Metropolitan Kirill. Feeling
the narrator's lively sympathy for
Alexandru, admiration for him
military and state
activities led to a special
sincerity and lyricism
storytelling.

12. Guess what fragments of Alexander's life illustrate these miniatures

13. Reread the scene of the first battle of Alexander Nevsky with the Germans.

What kind of commander does the author of the life portray
Grand Duke?
Complete the table with quotes from the text.
population
troops
mental
condition
commander
speech
characteristics
a
Outcome of the battle

14. Test yourself

population
troops
mental
condition
commander
speech
characteristics
a
Outcome of the battle
"He went to the enemies
with little
retinue"
“I relied on
Holy Trinity"
“flared up
heart",
"began
pray with
tears”,
"began
encourage
squad."
“God is not in power,
but in truth."
“Judge, Lord,
offending me and
protect from
struggling with
me, take
weapons and shield and
get up on
help me."
“I interrupted them
prince
countless
many, but
the face of
left the king
sharp trace
his stakes."
“Prince is
Alexander
returned from
victory, praise
and praise the name
its Creator."

15.

- Under what circumstances
Alexander Nevsky pronounces
aphorism: “God is not in power, but in
the truth?” Which is stronger: strength or
is it true?
How is the ideal of the wise created?
ruler and brave
commander?
(Characteristic of the prince in his life
very versatile. From one
hand, it is fulfilled
church virtues - quiet,
meek, humble, on the other, -
courageous and invincible
warrior, swift in battle,
selfless and merciless
adversary. This is how it is created
ideal of a wise prince, ruler
and brave commander).
For what purpose does the author introduce
biblical heroes?
Describe them.
Why Samson
likened to the power of A. Nevsky?
Who is Solomon? What common
between Solomon and Nevsky?
What did the author want to emphasize?
hagiography, endowing Alexander
Nevsky best qualities
several legendary
biblical images?
(His majesty, divine
destiny).

16. Spiritual portrait of A. Nevsky

Alexander Nevskiy
righteous
merciful
wise
served
defended
responsible for
selflessly land
Orthodox
people
native
faith
defender
invincible
united
principalities
Russians
An example of moral and spiritual values

17.

- Is it possible on the basis of
hagiographic portrait
attributed to Alexander
Nevsky to the saints?
- What is its
holiness? Prove by
text.
- Than Alexander Nevsky
deserved the title
"Saint"?
What can life be
interesting to modern
man?

18. Korin, "Alexander Nevsky"

Icon
Korin, "Alexander Nevsky"

19. Homework

Learn theoretical material
Fonvizin "Undergrowth" (read)
Prepare for the examination
folklore and ancient Russian literature
(genres of folklore and old Russian
literature, the content of the studied
works)

Morality is the same in all ages and for all people. Reading about obsolete in detail, we can find a lot for ourselves.

D.S. Likhachev

Spirituality and morality are the most important, basic characteristics of a person. Spirituality in the most general sense is the totality of manifestations of the spirit in the world and in man. The process of cognition of spirituality is associated with a systematic comprehension of significant truths in all spheres of culture: in science, and in philosophy, and in education, and in religions, and in art. Moreover, the principles of openness, honesty, freedom, equality, collectivism are the basis, the environment for the creation and preservation of spirituality. Spirituality is the unity of truth, goodness and beauty. Spirituality is what contributes to the development of man and mankind.

Morality is a combination general principles behavior of people towards each other and society. In this regard, the modern humanistic ideal actualizes such personal qualities as patriotism, citizenship, service to the Fatherland, family traditions. The concepts of "spirituality" and "morality" are universal values.

They say that Russia is the soul of the world, and the literature of Russia reflects the inner potential that the Russian people have. Without knowing the history of ancient Russian literature, we will not understand the full depth of the work of A. S. Pushkin, the spiritual essence of the work of N. V. Gogol, the moral quest of L. N. Tolstoy, the philosophical depth of F. M. Dostoevsky.

Old Russian literature carries within itself a very great moral force. Good and evil, love for the motherland, the ability to sacrifice everything for a good cause, family values are the main ideas of ancient Russian literature. Old Russian literature is the focus of Russian spirituality and morality. In addition, one of the main leitmotifs of these works is faith in God, which supports the heroes in all trials.

The works of ancient Russian literature reveal complex worldview concepts about a person's place in life, about his goals and aspirations, and provide an opportunity to gain experience in a moral assessment of the events and phenomena of the world around us. This is especially true in our time, when Russia is undergoing profound transformations, accompanied by serious spiritual losses. The revival of spirituality and upbringing with spirituality is what we need today.

Many Soviet and Russian scientists considered the works of ancient Russian literature in the context of the education of spiritual and moral values. It is not easy for a modern person to understand the works of ancient Russian literature, therefore, the school curriculum includes works of ancient Russian literature for studying: The Tale of Bygone Years (fragments), The Tale of Igor's Campaign, the word about the devastation of Ryazan by Batu (fragments), The Life of Boris and Gleb, The Instruction of Vladimir Monomakh, The Legend about Peter and Fevronia of Murom, St. Sergius of Radonezh, Life of Archpriest Avvakum.

Spiritual and moral values in the works of ancient Russian literature are the leitmotif and the basis of the plot, and therefore today it is necessary to refer to these works in the process of education and upbringing both in the family and at school due to their enduring significance.

The appearance of Old Russian literature is associated with the emergence of the state, writing, and is based on Christian book culture and developed forms of oral poetry. Literature often perceived plots, artistic images, visual means folk art. The adoption of Christianity also played a positive role in the development of Old Russian literature. The fact that the new religion came from Byzantium, the center of Christian culture, was of great positive significance for culture. Ancient Russia.

Speaking about the features of Old Russian literature, it is worth highlighting several of its main characteristics: 1) it is religious literature, the main value for a person in Ancient Russia was his Vera; 2) handwritten character its existence and distribution; at the same time, this or that work did not exist in the form of a separate, independent manuscript, but was part of various collections that pursued specific practical goals it means that all her works were a kind of instruction on HOW to live righteously; 3) anonymity, impersonality of her works(at best, we know the names of individual authors, "writers" of books, who modestly put their name either at the end of the manuscript, or in its margins, or in the title of the work); four) connection with church and business writing, one side, and oral poetic folk art- with another; 5) historicism: her heroes are mostly historical figures, she almost does not allow fiction and strictly follows the fact.

The main themes of ancient Russian literature are inextricably linked with the history of the development of the Russian state, the Russian people, and therefore are imbued with heroic and patriotic pathos. It contains a sharp voice of condemnation of the policy of the princes, who sowed bloody feudal strife, weakened the political and military power of the state. Literature glorifies the moral beauty of the Russian man, who is capable of giving up the most precious thing for the sake of the common good - life. It expresses a deep faith in the power and ultimate triumph of good, in the ability of a person to elevate his spirit and defeat evil. I would like to end the conversation about the originality of ancient Russian literature with the words of D. S. Likhachev: “Literature has risen over Russia as a huge protective dome - it has become a shield of its unity, a moral shield.”

Genre called a historically established type of literary work, an abstract sample, on the basis of which the texts of specific literary works are created. Old Russian genres are closely related to the way of life, everyday life, and life, and differ in what they are intended for. The main thing for the genres of ancient Russian literature was the "practical goal" for which this or that work was intended.

Therefore, it presented the following genres: 1) life: the genre of life was borrowed from Byzantium. This is the most widespread and favorite genre of Old Russian literature. Life was always created after the death of a person. It performed great educational function, because the life of the saint was perceived as an example of a righteous life, which must be imitated; 2) Old Russian eloquence: this genre was borrowed by ancient Russian literature from Byzantium, where eloquence was a form of oratory; 3) Lesson: This is a kind of genre of ancient Russian eloquence. Teaching is a genre in which ancient Russian chroniclers tried to present behavior model for any Old Russian person: both for the prince and for the commoner; 4) Word: is a kind of genre of ancient Russian eloquence. The word has a lot of elements of the traditional oral folk art, symbols, there is a clear influence of a fairy tale, epic; 5) Story: this is text epic character narrating about princes, about military exploits, about princely crimes; 6) Chronicle: narration of historical events. This is the most ancient genre of ancient Russian literature. In Ancient Russia, the chronicle played a very important role, it not only reported on the historical events of the past, but was also a political and legal document, testifying to how to act in certain situations.

Thus, considering the specifics of various genres, it should be noted that, despite the originality of each genre of ancient Russian literature, all of them are based on spiritual and moral sources - righteousness, morality, patriotism.

Do not see my outer, see my inner.

From the prayer of Daniel the Sharpener

Likhachev Dmitry Sergeevich emphasized the important mission of ancient Russian literature and noted the moral basis of these works, reflecting the cultural, historical, spiritual and moral path of many generations of our ancestors. The paths of "Good" have eternal guidelines, common for all times, and, one might say, tested not only by time, but by eternity itself.

Let us analyze three works of ancient Russian literature from the point of view of the ways of "Good".

1. "Instruction" by Vladimir Monomakh"

Justice is above all, but mercy is above justice.

Olga Brileva

"Instruction" combines three different works of Monomakh, among which, in addition to the "Instruction" itself, there is also an autobiography of the prince himself and his letter to his enemy, Prince Oleg Svyatoslavich, for the great grief that he brought with his fratricidal wars to the Russian land. It is addressed to the princes - the children and grandchildren of Monomakh, and in general to all Russian princes. An important feature of the "Instruction" is its humanistic orientation, appeal to Man, his spiritual world, which is closely related to the humanistic nature of the author's worldview. In its content, it is highly patriotic and partial to the fate of the Russian land as a whole and each person individually, whether it be a prince, a clergyman or any layman.

Quoting excerpts from Christian holy books, Vladimir Monomakh suggests that all Russian princes, in order to improve their situation and achieve peaceful success, first of all, learn justice, compassion, and even “compliance”: “Eat and drink without great noise, ... listen to the wise, submit to the elders, ... do not rage with a word, ... keep your eyes down, and your soul up ... put universal honor in nothing.

It also contains advice on how a Christian should live in the world. Much is written in Christian literature about monastic life, but it is rare to find teachings on how to save oneself outside monasteries. Monomakh writes: “Just as a father, loving his child, beats him and again draws him to himself, so our Lord showed us victory over enemies, how to get rid of them and overcome them with three good deeds: repentance, tears and alms”.

Moreover, relying on these three good deeds - repentance, tears and almsgiving, the author develops the doctrine of the small doing good. He says that the Lord does not require great deeds from us, because many people, seeing the severity of such labors, do nothing at all. The Lord wants only our hearts. Monomakh directly advises princes (hereditary warriors and rulers!) To be meek, not to strive to seize other people's estates, be content with little and seek success and prosperity not with the help of force and violence against others, but thanks to a righteous life: “What is better and more beautiful than living brothers together... After all, the devil quarrels us, because he does not want good for the human race.

“Monomakh's autobiography,” notes Likhachev, “is subordinated to the same idea of peacefulness. In the annals of his campaigns, Vladimir Monomakh gives an expressive example of princely peacefulness. His voluntary compliance with the sworn enemy - Prince Oleg Ryazansky is also indicative. But Monomakh's own "Letter" to the same Oleg Ryazansky, the murderer of the son of Vladimir Monomakh, who at that time was defeated and fled beyond the borders of Russia, brings to life the ideal of the "Instruction" even more strongly. This letter shocked the researcher with its moral force. Monomakh forgives the murderer of his son (!). Moreover, he consoles him. He invites him to return to the Russian land and receive the principality due to inheritance, asks him to forget the grievances. .

When the princes came to Monomakh, he wholeheartedly stood against new internecine strife: “Do not forget the poor, but, as much as possible, feed the orphans according to your strength, and do not let the strong destroy a person. Kill neither the right nor the guilty, and do not order him to be killed; if he is guilty of death, then do not destroy any Christian soul.

And starting to write his "Instruction" to children and "others who will hear it", Vladimir Monomakh constantly quotes the Psalter as the basis of spiritual and moral laws. So, for example, the answer to the proposals of warlike princes: “Do not compete with the evil ones, do not envy those who do lawlessness, for the evil ones will be destroyed, but those who are obedient to the Lord will own the land.” During your trips, you need to water and feed the beggars who will meet on the way, honor the guest, no matter where he comes from: he is a commoner, a noble or an ambassador. At the same time, it is also taken into account that such actions acquire a good name for a person.

The author especially rebels against laziness, which destroys all good undertakings, and calls for diligence: Laziness is the mother of everything: “what one knows, he will forget, and what he does not know, he will not learn, Doing good, do not be lazy for anything good, first of all to the church: let the sun not find you in bed.

So, the origins of the "Instruction" are the following values on the path of "Good": Faith in God, patriotism, love of neighbor, humanism, peacefulness, righteousness, good deeds, spiritual and moral education of descendants. Therefore, the personal and universal are intertwined in the Teaching so closely, which makes it a brilliant human document that can excite the soul even today.

2. "The Tale of Peter and Fevronia of Murom"

Only one heart is vigilant. You can't see the most important thing with your eyes

Antoine de Saint-Exupery

"The Tale of Peter and Fevronia of Murom" was a favorite reading of Russian people from tsars to commoners, and now this work is called "the pearl of ancient Russian literature." Let's try to figure out why this story was so popular in Russia.

Peter and Fevronia of Murom are Orthodox patrons of the family and marriage, whose marital union is considered a model of Christian marriage. Spouses turn to Murom Prince Peter and his wife Fevronia with prayers for family happiness. Blessed Prince Peter was the second son of Prince Yury Vladimirovich of Murom. He ascended the throne of Murom in 1203. A few years earlier, Peter had contracted leprosy. In a dream vision, it was revealed to the prince that Fevronia, a peasant woman of the village of Laskovaya in the Ryazan land, could heal him.

Virgin Fevronia was wise, wild animals obeyed her, she knew the properties of herbs and knew how to heal ailments, she was a beautiful, pious and kind girl. Undoubtedly, D.S. was right. Likhachev, calling the main feature of Fevronia’s character “psychological peace” and drawing a parallel of her image with the faces of the saints of A. Rublev, who carried in themselves the “quiet” light of contemplation, the highest moral principle, the ideal of self-sacrifice. Convincing parallels between the art of Rublev and The Tale of Peter and Fevronia of Murom are drawn by Dmitry Sergeevich in the fifth chapter of his book Man in the Literature of Ancient Russia.

One of the highest cultural achievements of Ancient Russia was the ideal of man, created in the paintings of Andrei Rublev and the artists of his circle, and Academician Likhachev compares Fevronia with Rublev's quiet angels. But she's ready for action.

The first appearance in the story of the girl Fevronia is captured in a visually distinct image. She is found in a simple peasant hut by the envoy of the Murom Prince Peter, who fell ill from the poisonous blood of the snake he killed. In a poor peasant dress, Fevronia sat at a loom and was engaged in a “quiet” business - she wove a linen, and a hare jumped in front of her, as if symbolizing her fusion with nature. Her questions and answers, her quiet and wise conversation clearly show that "Rublev's thoughtfulness" is not thoughtless. She astonishes the messenger with her prophetic answers and promises to help the prince. The prince promised to marry her after the healing. Fevronia healed the prince, but he did not keep his word. The disease resumed, Fevronia cured him again and married him.

When he inherited the reign after his brother, the boyars did not want to have a princess of a simple rank, telling him: "Either let go of your wife, who offends noble ladies with her origin, or leave Murom." The prince took Fevronia, got into a boat with her and sailed along the Oka. They began to live ordinary people rejoicing that they are together, and God helped them. “Peter didn’t want to break God’s commandments…. For it is said that if a man drives away his wife who is not accused of adultery, and marries another, he himself commits adultery.”

In Murom, turmoil began, many set off to solicit the vacant throne, and murders began. Then the boyars came to their senses, gathered a council and decided to call Prince Peter back. The prince and princess returned, and Fevronia managed to earn the love of the townspeople. “They had equal love for everyone, ... they did not love perishable wealth, but they were rich in God's wealth ... And the city was ruled with justice and meekness, and not with rage. They accepted the wanderer, fed the hungry, clothed the naked, delivered the poor from misfortunes.

In their advanced years, having taken monastic vows in different monasteries, they prayed to God that they die on the same day. They died on the same day and hour (June 25 (according to the new style - July 8), 1228).

Thus, the spiritual and moral source of this story is a sample Christian family values and commandments as milestones on the path of "Good": faith in God, kindness, self-denial in the name of love, mercy, devotion, spiritual and moral education.

3. "The Life of Alexander Nevsky"

Patriotism does not mean only one love for one's homeland. It's much more. This is the consciousness of one's inalienability from the motherland and the inalienable experience with her of her happy and unhappy days.

Tolstoy A.N.

Alexander Nevsky is the second son of Prince Yaroslav Vsevolodovich of Pereyaslavl. In 1240, on June 15, in a battle with Swedish knights with a small squad, Prince Alexander won a brilliant victory. Hence the nickname of Alexander - Nevsky. Until now, the name of Alexander Nevsky is a symbol of unity, part of a common national idea.

It is generally accepted that the work was written no later than the 80s of the XIII century in the monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin in Vladimir, where Prince Alexander Nevsky was buried. The author of the story was probably, according to the researchers, a scribe from the circle of Metropolitan Kirill of Vladimir, who came from Galicia-Volyn Rus in 1246.

"Life" highlights the main points of Alexander's biography, linking them with victorious battles, and biblical memories are combined here with Russian historical tradition, literary traditions - with real observations of the battle. According to I.P. Eremin, Alexander appears before us in the form of either the king-commander of biblical antiquity, or the brave knight of the book epic, or the icon-painting "righteous man". This is another enthusiastic tribute from the side to the blessed memory of the late prince.

The courage of Alexander was admired not only by his associates, but also by enemies. Once Batu ordered the prince to come to him if he wants to save Russia from subjugation. The king was sure that Alexander would be frightened, but he arrived. And Batu said to his nobles: "They told me the truth, there is no prince like him in his own country." And he released him with great honor.

Choosing to describe two victorious battles of the Russian army under the command of Alexander - a picture of the battles of the Russians with the Swedes on the Neva River and with the German knights on the ice of Lake Peipus, the author tried to present the descendants of the Grand Duke and his army as endowed with heroism, selflessness and stamina in the name of the interests of the Russian people of mythical warriors - heroes. The exaltation of the Russian people, the development of a sense of patriotism and hatred for enemies, the maintenance of the authority of military leaders will echo through the history of Russia right up to the present day.

He is full of church virtues - quiet, meek, humble, at the same time - a courageous and invincible warrior, in battle swift, selfless and merciless to the enemy. This is how the ideal of a wise prince, ruler and brave commander is created. “There was then great violence from the filthy pagans: they drove Christians, ordering them to go on campaigns with them. Grand Duke Alexander went to the king to pray people out of trouble.

One of the episodes of the fight against enemies is described as follows: before the battle with the Swedes, the prince had a small squad, and there was nowhere to expect help from. But there was a strong faith in the help of God. The main book of Alexander's childhood was the Bible. He knew her well, and much later he retold and quoted her. Alexander went to the church of St. Sophia, “fell on his knee in front of the altar and began to pray with tears to God ... He remembered the psalm song and said: “Judge, Lord, and judge my quarrel with those who offend me, overcome those who fight with me.” Having finished the prayer and having received the blessing of Archbishop Spiridon, the prince, strengthened in spirit, went out to his squad. Encouraging her, instilling courage in her and infecting her with his own example, Alexander told the Russians: “God is not in power, but in truth.” With a small retinue, Prince Alexander met the enemy, fought fearlessly, knowing that he was fighting for a just cause, protecting his native land.

So, the spiritual and moral sources of the "Life" are the following values : faith in God, patriotism, a sense of duty to the Motherland, heroism, selflessness, steadfastness, mercy.

Let's imagine a comparative table reflecting the general and special in three works:

Work	main characters
"The Tale" of Peter and Fevronia of Murom	Peter and Fevronia Murom	Faith in God, the family as a Christian value, the affirmation of love as a great all-conquering feeling; family traditions, spiritual and moral education, devotion, dedication and trust in marriage, kindness, self-denial in the name of love, mercy, devotion, spiritual and moral education
"Life" of Alexander Nevsky	Alexander	Faith in God, patriotism, a sense of duty to the Motherland, heroism, selflessness, perseverance, kindness, good deeds, mercy
"Instruction" by Vladimir Monomakh	Vladimir	Faith in God, patriotism, love of neighbor, humanism, peacefulness, righteousness, good deeds, spiritual and moral education of descendants: “do not be lazy”, “drink and feed the one who asks”, “do not kill the right or the guilty”, “do not have pride in the heart and in the mind", "honor the old like a father", "visit the sick" (and so on)

It was interesting to trace the differences between the two works - "Instruction" by Vladimir Monomakh and "Life" by Alexander Nevsky. Both of them were commanders, both defended their native land, both were merciful. Although, reading the Life, it may seem (sometimes) that Alexander allegedly wanted to simply conquer foreign lands and win, but this is not so. "Life" tells about Alexander as a commander and warrior, ruler and diplomat. It opens with the "glory" of the hero, which is likened to the glory of all the world-famous heroes of antiquity. Prince Alexander, on the one hand, was a glorious commander, on the other hand, a righteous (living in truth, fulfilling Christian commandments) ruler. Despite his youth, as it is written in the Life, Prince Alexander "won everywhere, was invincible." This speaks of him as a skillful, brave commander. And one more interesting detail - Alexander, fighting with enemies, was still a merciful person: “... again the same from western country and built a city in the land of Alexander. Grand Duke Alexander immediately went to them, dug the city to the ground, beat some, brought others with him, And had mercy on others and let them go, for he was merciful beyond measure.

Thus, it is possible to bring result: these works, despite the originality of various genres and literary features, are interconnected by themes that reveal the spiritual beauty and moral strength of the hero, that is, common content is as follows: faith in God, patriotism and a sense of duty to the Motherland; strength of mind and mercy, selflessness and love, kindness and good deeds.

Peculiarity: 1) family and family values - the main source in "The Tale of Peter and Fevronya of Murom", but it seems that this is common in the sense that the Motherland is like a big family, and love for the Motherland in two other works is also is a common value; 2) in the "Instruction" of Monomakh, much attention is paid to the enlightenment and guidance of the young. But this can also be attributed to the common content of three different works, since the deeds themselves, both Monomakh and Alexander, are a role model, and there is no need to give verbal instructions to readers, that is, education by personal example, and this is the basis of spiritual moral education.

In these works of ancient Russian literature, common values are distinguished for all three works: 1) faith in God; 2) patriotism and a sense of duty to the motherland; 3) fortitude and mercy; 3) family values; 4) kindness and good deeds; 5) selflessness and love.

In conclusion, I would like to note that Old Russian literature gives a chance to comprehend life values in the modern world and compare them with the priorities of the people of the times of Ancient Russia. This allows us to conclude that the works of ancient Russian literature are the source of spiritual and moral development for any person and, moreover, for humanity as a whole, since they are based: on high moral ideals, on faith in a person in the possibilities of his unlimited moral perfection, on faith in the power of the word and its ability to transform the inner world of a person. Therefore, their ideals remain relevant today.

I would like to finish the work with the words “Instructions”: “What you can do well, don’t forget that you don’t know how, learn that.” Read ancient Russian literature, find in it the origins of our soul!

Bibliography:

1 . Eremin I.P. Life of Alexander Nevsky / I.P. Eremin. Lectures and articles on the history of ancient Russian literature. - Leningrad: Leningrad University Publishing House, 1987. - S. 141-143. .

2. Yermolai-Erasmus. The Tale of Peter and Fevronia of Murom (translated by L. Dmitriev) / Old Russian literature / Compiled, foreword. and comment. M.P. Odessa. - M.: WORD / Slovo, 2004. - S.508-518.

3. Life of Alexander Nevsky (translated by I.P. Eremin) / Old Russian literature. - M.: Olimp; LLC "Publishing House AST-LTD", 1997. - P. 140-147.

4 .Kuskov V.V. History of Old Russian Literature: http://sbiblio.com/biblio/archive/kuskov_istorija/00.asp (accessed 01/11/2014).

5 . Likhachev D.S. Great legacy. Classical works of literature. M., 1975.

6. Likhachev D.S. Chapter 5 XV century / Likhachev D.S. Man in the Literature of Ancient Russia. : http://www.lihachev.ru/nauka/istoriya/biblio/1859/ (accessed 12.12.2013).

7 . Likhachev D.S. Russian culture. M.: "Art", 2000.

8 . Teachings of Vladimir Monomakh (translated by D. Likhachev) / Old Russian literature / Compiled, foreword. and comment. M.P. Odessa. - M.: WORD / Slovo, 2004. - S. 213-223.

Sections: Literature

Our thousand-year-old culture is at the heart of national values, spiritual and moral guidelines. It is the embodiment of the Christian ideals of our ancestors that are majestic temples, iconography, ancient literature. At present, it is especially important to involve the younger generation in the domestic spiritual traditions. A responsible role in this is assigned to the lessons of literature, where the problem of “spiritual and moral education” is solved, which is understood as the process of promoting the spiritual and moral development of a person, the formation of his moral feelings, moral character, moral position, moral behavior.

Topic:"The Face of the Saint in Hagiographic Literature".

Tasks:

Compare the appearance of the hero in icon painting, painting and hagiographic literature using the example of the image of A. Nevsky as a historical figure and as a Saint.
To deepen the idea of such a literary genre as life. To reveal the concepts of “saint”, “icon”, “hagiographic portrait”.
Expand your horizons with knowledge about the symbolic language of the icon.
To realize the significance of ancient Russian literature, which gives a clear distinction between the concepts of good and evil, duty and honor, truth and conscience, man and the meaning of life - the highest universal moral and spiritual values.

DURING THE CLASSES

The name of the Saint given to him is more expressive than the Great.

N. M. Karamzin

I stage. Preparation for the perception and comprehension of the text

Target: to create an emotional mood of students for the perception of information.

Introductory speech of the teacher(against the background of the slideshow - cf. Application , slide 1-2)

Any literature creates its own world, embodying the world of ideas of contemporary society. Let's try to restore the world of ancient Russian literature. What kind of a single and huge building is this, on the construction of which dozens of generations of Russian scribes worked for seven hundred years - unknown or known to us only by their modest names and about which almost no biographical data has been preserved, and there are not even autographs left?
The feeling of the significance of what is happening, the significance of everything temporal, the significance of the history of human existence, did not leave the ancient Russian person either in life, or in art, or in literature.
Man, living in the world, remembered the world as a whole as a huge unity, felt his place in this world. His house was located at a red corner to the east. Upon death, he was placed in the grave with his head to the west, so that his face would meet the sun. His churches were turned with altars towards the emerging day. In the temple, the murals reminded of the events of the Old and New Testaments, gathered around it the world of holiness. The Church was a microcosm, and at the same time she was a macro person.
Big world and small, the universe and man! Everything is interconnected, everything is significant, everything reminds a person of the meaning of his existence, of the greatness of the world, the significance of the fate of a person in it.
It is no coincidence that in the Apocrypha about the creation of Adam it is said that his body was created from earth, bones from stones, blood from the sea (not from water, but from the sea), eyes from the sun, thoughts from clouds, light in the eyes from the light of the universe, breath from wind, body heat from fire.
Man is a microcosm, a “small world,” as some ancient Russian writings call him.
Man felt himself an insignificant particle in the big world and yet a participant in world history. In this world, everything is significant, full of hidden meaning ...
Old Russian literature can be regarded as the literature of one theme and one plot. This plot is world history, and this topic is the meaning of human life...

(Dm. Likhachev “On the world of ancient Russian literature”)

II stage. Frontal survey of the theoretical material of previous lessons in order to consolidate and deepen concepts.

- When and in connection with what did ancient Russian literature arise? (It arose in the 10th century, in connection with the adoption of Christianity. Unlike paganism, this religion was “bookish”, its key source was the Bible).

- How does ancient Russian literature differ from the literature of modern times? (Handwritten narration was built according to strict canons, closely connected with religion and business writing).

– Works of what genres does Old Russian literature include? (Psalm, prayer, teaching, sermon, "word". But the role of the most widespread and popular genre, undoubtedly, belongs to life).

– What is a life or hagiography? (Slide 3) (“Agios” - from the Greek “saint”, “graphos” - “I write” - a biography of holy people. Life is a spiritual genre, like all ancient Russian literature, therefore its goal is to glorify the saint).

– What are the canonical features of life? (“Canon” - from the Greek “norm, sample”. The life was compiled after the death of the saint. The narration is conducted from the 3rd person, it is distinguished by its unhurried presentation, calm intonation, with an abundance of Church Slavonicisms. The composition of the life is built according to a strict scheme. The hero is idealized, his inner the world is not depicted in development, it is the chosen one from the moment of birth.Space and time in life are conditional).

Exercise 1. With the help of etymological and explanatory dictionaries, determine the semantics of the word “saint”.

Name of God: "Holy be you, for holy am I, the Lord your God."
Everything that relates to the Divine, to the truths of faith, the object of highest reverence, worship (holy relics, holy gates, holy water).
(transfer). Sublime, ideal, the most expensive (holy love for the motherland).

Saint - a person who dedicated his life to God. Doing good and hating evil, deserving from God for his love and faith special gifts, for example, the gift of miracles. (Recording the definition in a notebook).

Teacher: So, a person becomes a saint, an object to the extent of his closeness to God.

- What concept for you corresponds to the central point of the circle? How would you represent the eigenpath vector in this circle?

Demonstration of the slide "Image of the world in the Christian understanding." (Slide 4)

The “mechanism of growing” into holiness was figuratively shown by St. Abba Dorotheos, an Eastern ascetic of the end of the 6th and beginning of the 7th centuries: “Imagine a circle, its middle is the center, and outgoing radii from the center are rays. These radii, the farther from the center, the more they diverge and move away from each other; on the contrary, the closer to the center, the more they approach each other. Imagine now that this circle is the world, the very middle of the circle is God, and the straight lines (radii) going from the center of the circle or from the circle to the center are the paths of people's lives. As far as the Saints enter inside the circle to the middle of the onago, desiring to draw nearer to God, so much as they enter, they become closer both to God and to each other... Thus, understand about moving away. When they move away from God and turn to the outside, it is obvious that to the extent that they move away from the center and move away from God, they also move away from each other to the same extent.

(Monastic deed: Collection of teachings of the holy fathers and ascetics of piety - M.. 1991)

Task 2. Divide words with missing vowels into 2 columns: with the root “light” and with the root “holy” (The work is checked against slide 5).

Dedicate ... with a flashlight, dedicate ... your poem to your mother, consecrated ... the water in the temple; consecrated .... tiled the street with new lanterns; consecrated Easter cakes and eggs; illuminated windows on a dark street; enlightenment of the people comes with books; the monument to Pushkin is sacred to us; dedicated the lyre ... to his people; the priest ... the priest brought the holy ... gifts.

Teacher: Light is material, created by God. And holiness is the invisible and incomprehensible essence of God, which he gave to people as an opportunity (ideal), creating a person in his own image and likeness.

(Ivanova S.F. Introduction to the Temple of the Word: A book for reading with children at school and at home. - M., 1994).

In the history of Christianity there are the names of many people who became famous for their kindness, honesty, firmness in faith and courage in suffering. They began to be called saints and carefully cherished the memory of them. Events from their lives recorded and made up instructive stories about the labors, deeds and miracles of the heroes.

III stage. Student posts with teacher comments

Goals:

Tell about the specifics and mystery of the Russian icon.
Consider the image of A. Nevsky as a historical figure.

– What image appears when we talk about saints? (Icon)

- What is an icon? (Icon - from the Greek “eikon”, - “image, object of worship” - a picturesque image of God, a saint or saints. Much in icons seems mysterious, incomprehensible, and the image on them must be able to be understood, because icon painters, creating them, turn to us in the language of symbols. Nowadays, this language is forgotten, many simply do not know it. And once even illiterate people could “read” the icon, experience some events, imitate good examples. in the icon there is no question of the shape of the nose and the color of the eyes, of wrinkles or freckles. The worshiper sees not the earthly, but the spiritual appearance, not the face, but the face, freed from everything accidental and temporary).

– What symbols in icon painting do you know? (The circle is a very important symbol in icon painting. Having neither beginning nor end, it means Eternity. The radiance of holiness above the heads of God and the saints is also depicted as a circle. Its name is a halo, translated from Latin as “cloud”. The cross is a symbol unbroken faith. Like everything in the icon, the clothes became a symbol. One could recognize warriors, kings, prophets, martyrs or priests by it).

– How were the holy images painted? (Feature of the image of the face: the icons depicted elongated faces, which are characterized by sharpness, irregular facial features).

- What do the flaws in the image of faces indicate? (The author aims specifically at the spiritual world of the saint. The faces of the saints are concentrated. They are very far from earthly experiences - anger and surprise, grief and joy. Their hands are raised in prayer or bless people).

In what light should the icon be viewed? (By a candle, because the pulsating light of a candle transforms the space of the icon. Icons are worshiped, they are prayed to, candles are placed on them. A candle is a symbol of a prayerful impulse, aspiration to God, when the best feelings shine and all the bad ones - sins burn out).

What is the main color of the image? (Slide 6) (The icon was a kind of book, where every word, and hence the lines and colors are sacred. The color in the icon painting is also symbolic.
Golden color- denotes the radiance of God (God himself).
Purple or crimson color- the color of the king, the lord - God in heaven, the emperor on earth.
Red- the color of warmth, love, life, a symbol of the Resurrection - the victory of life over death. But at the same time it is the color of blood and torment, the color of the sacrifice of Christ.
White color- a symbol of the Divine color. It is the color of purity, holiness and simplicity.
Blue and cyan colors meant the sky, a symbol of another eternal world.
Green color- natural, living. The color of grass and leaves, youth, flowering, hope, eternal renewal.
Brown- the color of bare earth, dust, everything temporary and perishable.
Black color- the color of evil and death).

– What does the characterization of the description of the icon of Alexander Nevsky testify to? Describe his face. Add values (Work on the board and in notebooks).

Icon of Alexander Nevsky (Slide 7)

Above - a purple mantle with a sable collar (noble, princely family).
Under the mantle - chain mail (warrior, commander).
Sword in hand - an indication of spiritual warfare, intercession (defender of the earth, Russian faith).
Above the head is a golden halo and luminous reflections (signs of the Divine presence, holiness).
The face is calm and sad, detached from everything vain and earthly.

Teacher: The mind and will of the artist were not supposed to influence the eternal and unchanging. It was the eternal that was depicted on the icons, and therefore the backgrounds shone with heavenly gold, everyday details disappeared, the figures became light, gestures significant, views - deep and inseparable “for centuries”. When a master looks at a model, he wants to make his work better, and people, looking at holy images, imitate what is good.

- Give historical information about the battles on the Neva and Lake Peipsi? (Individual messages of students).

- In 1240, the Swedish knights invaded the northwestern lands of Russia. They entered the Neva River on ships and stopped at the mouth of its tributary, the Izhora. With a small retinue, Prince Alexander Yaroslavich attacked the enemy on June 15, 1240 and won a brilliant victory. Hence the nickname of Alexander - Nevsky.
In 1241-1242, he led the fight against the troops of the Lithuanian knights, who captured the Pskov and Novgorod lands. On April 5, 1242, a decisive battle took place on the ice of Lake Peipus, which ended in the defeat of the enemies and went down in history under the name “Battle on the Ice”.
Alexander Nevsky was an outstanding diplomat. Understanding the futility of military operations against the Golden Horde in the circumstances of that time, he maintained peaceful relations with the Khan, pursued a policy of uniting northeastern and northwestern Russia and strengthening the power of the grand duke. The prince traveled to the Golden Horde several times, even managed to get the Russians freed from the obligation to supply troops to the Tatars.

Task 3. Look at the picture of Corin. "Alexander Nevsky", compare it with the icon (Slide 8).

- Describe the face, pose of Alexander Nevsky. What is the color scheme of the image? What symbols can you see in the picture? What is the author's perception of the hero? (The majestic figure of Alexander Nevsky occupies almost the entire picture, towering over the surrounding distances. The commander stands facing the viewer, putting his hands on the hilt of the sword. His armor is cast in a metallic color, his angry gaze is directed into the distance, as if he sees a foreign army that dared to enter the Russian land His stern look and open face express confidence in the strength of the Russian army).

IV stage. Perception of the text. Literary, linguistic commentary. General text analysis

Target: create a hagiographic portrait of Alexander Nevsky.

Teacher: Alexander Nevsky as a wise statesman and great commander is dedicated to life. This work was written in the Nativity Monastery in Vladimir, where the prince was buried.
The author of the life knew the prince, was a witness to his state affairs and military exploits. Scientists believe that the life was written by Metropolitan Kirill. The narrator's feeling of lively sympathy for Alexander, admiration for his military and state activities led to a special sincerity and lyricism of the narration.

– How does the author assess the role of the prince in preserving the unity of Russia? (A hagiographic story about Alexander Nevsky should show that, despite the subordination of Russian principalities to the Mongol-Tatars, princes remained in Russia, whose courage and wisdom can resist enemies. Even Batu recognized the greatness of Alexander).

Task 4. Reread the scene of the first battle of Alexander Nevsky with the Germans. What kind of commander does the author of the life of the Grand Duke portray? Complete the table with quotes from the text. (Work in notebooks).

Troop strength	The state of mind of the commander	speech characteristic	Outcome of the battle
“I went to the enemies with a small squad”	“I trusted in the Holy Trinity,” “burned my heart,” “began to pray with tears,” “began to encourage the squad.”	"God is not in power, but in truth." “Judge, Lord, those who offend me and protect them from those who fight with me, take a weapon and a shield and stand up to help me.”	“The prince interrupted their countless multitude, and left a trace of his sharp stake on the face of the king himself.” “Prince Alexander returned with victory, praising and glorifying the name of his Creator.”

- Under what circumstances does Alexander Nevsky utter the aphorism: “God is not in power, but in truth?” Which is stronger: force or truth? (God is the main force. Truth is God, it will triumph over force. Therefore: truth is stronger than force).

– How is the ideal of a wise ruler and a brave commander created? (The characteristics of the prince in his life are very diverse. On the one hand, he is full of church virtues - quiet, meek, humble, on the other hand, a courageous and invincible warrior, in battle swift, selfless and merciless to the enemy. This is how the ideal of a wise prince, ruler and brave commander).

- Who is Joseph?

– Why is the strength of A. Nevsky likened to Samson?

Who is Solomon? What is common between Solomon and Nevsky?

Task 5. Make a spiritual portrait of Alexander Nevsky using syncwine. (Slide 9)

- Is it possible to classify Alexander Nevsky as a saint on the basis of a hagiographic portrait?

What is his holiness? Prove from the text. (Prayed, believed in an omen, looks like God, shows miracles after death).

– Was Karamzin right when he said that “the name of the Saint given to him is more expressive than the Great”? (The value of a person is determined by his “disposition” and “actions”, and “spiritual good deeds”, “thoughts” and “perfect life”, especially “love, humility, submission, brotherly love” make him “holy”).

- How did Alexander Nevsky deserve the title of "Saint"? (The life of Alexander Nevsky is filled with dangers, battles, travels, but not peace. He served for the Orthodox faith, but did not “trade” it like the Pope, did not allow the clergy to use him. “I believe, and that’s enough ... Not for the land, you can’t buy faith for gold!" The prince shared this principle of his father completely. Alexander learned the military wisdom of his ancestors, the greatest commanders of the past and the traditions of other peoples, and he himself became a teacher for future generations. His famous formula "Whoever comes to us with a sword, from the sword and perish "exactly reflects the spirit of the Russian people and Orthodoxy: not militant in essence, but ready for defense. Alexander Yaroslavovich served the Fatherland and the common people. He personally dealt with many of the affairs of the peasants, defended them from boyars and merchants, traveled around the soldiers before the battle, redeemed people from captivity and for the sake of the Novgorodians forgave the offense of the nobility.For this feat of selfless service, Alexander Nevsky received the great title of “Saint” among the people).

- How can life be interesting to a modern person? (Students' thoughts:
– Reading the life, we once again think about good and evil, about a sense of duty.
– Life is interesting from the point of view of history in that one can compare a person who lived earlier with a modern one.
– I think that modern man Life is interesting because people want to get closer to God so that he can help them overcome all difficulties).

Teacher: The strength of life is that it teaches us to think, to see the beauty in life itself. The author of the life is a humanist, because the main thing in his work is a person, his destiny, his life, connected with good and evil, with moral, spiritual principles. He teaches us the perception of human moral and aesthetic values and, at the same time, inexhaustible spiritual treasures.

Summing up the lesson.

Homework: draw up a complex plan for an essay on the topic “The Moral Image of Man in Old Russian Literature”.

The events of recent years have shown that we have lost a lot. We have forgotten how to live according to the laws of our ancestors, in the Christian spirit- as God commands and teaches the Holy Church. We have lost the old foundations and continuity of the traditional way of life, and we have to restore it if we do not want spiritual and moral degradation and degeneration. Among the many tasks facing Russian society today, the most important is the restoration of the historical memory of the people, the Orthodox faith, associated values, ideals, moral guidelines, domestic folk traditions in public, family life and in the upbringing of children.

The problem of educating the younger generation today is the main one for Russia. Its priority is recognized by teachers, parents, the Church, public and statesmen, but there are very, very few beneficial and effective steps - due to the lack of unanimity among adults, designed to provide a worthy education.

To educate a spiritual and moral person means to find support in her person for the future family, church community, professional team, state and society. And here one cannot do without the succession of national ideals - ascetics of faith and piety, examples of holiness, patriotism, valor and honor. One of the clearest examples This is what the holy noble Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky, the descendant and heir of the legendary princely family of the Monomakhoviches, has been serving for our compatriots for many centuries. The kind that gave Russia 15 out of 18 grand dukes and 20 saints. A clan that not only accepted Orthodoxy, but embraced the entire depth of the Christian way of life and understanding that power means serving God, its people and has nothing of itself. It was the Monomakhoviches who began to effectively form the idea of a single Orthodox state in Russia.

Holy Blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky for many centuries serves for our compatriots as an image of holiness. From that tragic era, it is difficult for us to find similar examples of such consistent life achievement, as in the right-believing Prince Alexander service to God, Orthodoxy and one's people is most fully combined.

What did it consist of immortal feat and good example of Alexander Nevsky? Why did he become a national hero of Russia, an outstanding grand duke, a wise politician-diplomat, a brave commander and a glorified saint of the Orthodox Church? In what ways did his earthly life go, passing, according to historians, as "between the hammer and the anvil"? These questions can only be answered by carefully studying the evidence of ancient chronicles, lives and other sources.

In 1263, at the end of November, returning from the Horde, he died in Gorodets on the Volga, having taken monastic tonsure - a schema with the name Alexy. Having learned about the death of the prince from a messenger during the service, Metropolitan Kirill then said from the pulpit of the temple:

"My children, know: the sun of the Russian land has set."

And then miracles happened, signifying that an extraordinary person completed his life path. And the Russian chronicler wrote down the words:

"... God glorify your saint, who has worked hard for our land and for Novgorod and Pskov, and for the whole Russian land, believing his life, for Orthodox Christianity."

From the life of Alexander Nevsky we see what moral height and strength Christian duty and civic responsibility reached in him. The modern world, including Christians, is simply sick paralysis of irresponsibility. Irresponsibility is shameful and disgusting in all areas of human life. But it is precisely it that permeates today all layers of social and family life.

Russian philosopher I.A. Ilyin once wrote that due to the impoverishment of spirituality, the inability to experience religious experience, "humanity has shaken sense of duty and responsibility. Spirit is creative energy; it is natural for him to impute to himself what he has done and to answer for what he has done. This feeling is the surest sign of spirituality.

Any person can become an ascetic, become a saint, reach the level of great saints, if only he wishes it with all his being. Many have read the answer of St. Seraphim of Sarov to the question:

“Why aren’t the miracles performed by the ancient Christians now?”

And the reverend replied:

“Because people don’t have that determination and zeal for pleasing God and serving as before.”

In this context, the concepts of "determination" and "responsibility" are extremely close.

His whole life can be likened to an icon, an image, according to which the rulers of Russia and its defenders should build their activities. On the icon of St. Alexander Nevsky in the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, at the shrine with relics, four main hypostases of the prince are reflected: as an ideal leader- he is dressed in a grand ducal mantle, as a defender of the faith- points the way to Christ, like a warrior- dressed in military armor, like a folk hero- stands on Russian soil, as "The Sun of the Russian Land". This marvelous icon fully embodies Alexander Nevsky as a symbol of Russia.

What is the ruler of the people, such are those who serve under him(Sir. 10:2).

Personality education, especially at a young age, is based on the imitation of positive examples.. For all Christians, the Supreme Ideal is Christ. The Apostle Paul also points out the way of approaching the Ideal:

Therefore, I beseech you: imitate me, as I imitate Christ(Cor. 4:16).

« It is not easy to immediately imitate Christ. Imitate first your good neighbors. Let this be the first step. Imitate the good people of your people. Let this be the second step. Then imitate the great saints of the Church. This will be the third step. And finally, imitate Christ. This is a peak that cannot be climbed with one jerk. ”(St. Nicholas of Serbia).

By his example, Alexander Nevsky asks us an image of educating a whole, spiritual and moral personality - as a Christian, family man and citizen. These three most important components constitute the general line of pedagogical activity, carried out in cooperation between the family, the school and the Church, parents, teachers and pastors. Without their unanimity and without selfless labor in caring for “these little ones,” the upbringing of a whole personality is also unattainable.

Spirit Education is the upbringing of a Christian , which is feasible only with the participation of the Church, the pastoral care of parents, children and teachers in order to gain unanimity, harmony and Christian love.

Education of the soul of a well-behaved and noble is the upbringing of a family man the grace-filled structure of family life in the Christian way of life and church tradition.

body education is the education of a citizen - a patriot who loves the Fatherland and is able to defend it, to which young men are called most of all - through the efforts of the State, the Church and the public school.

Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all this will be added to you.(Matthew 6:33).