The word "blessed" is a term that is used primarily to reflect the state in which a person is. The Pope of Rome declares blessed after the death of the so-called "pious" people. The tradition of the Russian Orthodox Church is to consider some saints and holy fools blessed. The word owes its origin to the Old Slavonic language, and its use is associated with the religious and moral sphere.
Blessed - prosperous or crazy?
Studying the meaning of the words "blessed", "blessed", "blessed" is a fascinating excursion into the history of Christianity, Orthodoxy, the study of the traditions of Russian culture. The fact is that from the point of view of the semantic structure, the term is very ambiguous, and its use requires a thoughtful attitude.
The word "blessed" has undergone semantic changes more than once throughout the long history of the Old Slavonic and Russian languages. In ancient times, the verb "blessing" meant "praise". In modern language, one ofmeanings of the word "blessed" is a description of the state of a person when he is prosperous, happy. Often "whim" is called thoughtless stubbornness, insanity, foolishness, foolishness. "Blissful" is used in the meaning of "stupid", "crazy", "bad".
The religious interpretation of the old Christian term in Catholicism and Orthodoxy is somewhat different, but there is a common meaning. “Blessed” is the name given to peaceful righteous people who resist temptation and behave insanely from the point of view of the townsfolk. Vasily, the Moscow miracle worker, was such a "for Christ's sake" holy fool. Over time, next to the name of the saint, the rank appeared - Blessed, and the temple dedicated to him became one of the main symbols of Moscow.
If a person is blessed, what does that mean?
Orthodox in their prayers call "blessed" the deceased Russian tsars, the highest clergy. This title also applies to a number of patriarchs and archbishops. In ancient times, the meaning of this rank was somewhat different, the saints who secretly pleased God were considered blessed, and their holiness was confirmed by other people.
Considered insane by contemporaries Xenia of Petersburg - Blessed. What tradition is this: early or late Christian? Where did she come from?
Foolishness has been a tradition since the time of the biblical Old Testament
The Old Testament prophet Isaiah walked barefoot, did not cover his nakedness for 3 years. With his defiant behavior, from the point of view of the inhabitants, Isaiah sought to draw attention to the words about the Egyptian captivity that was coming to the people. Another prophet - Ezekiel - ate bread cooked oncow dung, which was a call to repentance.
Each of the prophets was blessed, their contemporaries testified to this. Interestingly, the Old Testament prophets only at times behaved like fools, perhaps they were not yet ready for that asceticism, which the Apostle Paul later spoke of as foolishness for the sake of Christ.
Feat of foolishness
Christ and his followers did not recognize the laws established in their society. In the New Testament, insanity is contempt for the authority that imposes certain social principles, considering them wise.
Calling to renounce the Pharisees' rules, Christ and his companions became "crazy" for the world in which they lived. This is how the church term “blessed” came about - it literally meant “to act like a fool for the sake of Christ.”
When the Apostle Paul called to imitate him, as he imitates Christ, the believers strove to endure all those persecutions and hardships that the Teacher endured.
The holy fools were ascetics who renounced their homes and families. They made people laugh and scared, denounced injustice and were often the focus of the crowd.
The holy fools and the blessed
From the Greek word moros, which means "stupid", came the Old Russian words "ugly" and "holy fool". Such ragged wanderers, consciously presenting themselves as insane, were held in special esteem in Russia. At first glance, incoherent words rushed from their lips, but in fact they were the most truthful speeches for the Glory of the Lord.
Believing people tried not to offend the holy fools, believing that it was blissfulholy. And if a woman is said to be blessed? Who is this: a lucky woman who knows no worries, or an ascetic? Closer to the truth is the second interpretation.
For her insight and miracle-working, Ksenia of Petersburg was awarded the rank of Blessed. What kind of life does it have to be to deserve such a title? Ksenia of Petersburg gave away her house, distributed money to the poor, wore the clothes of her late husband and responded not to her own, but to his name. The blessed one wandered for 45 years, helped the poor, took part in the construction of the temple, carrying stones on her shoulders for him.
Blessed Matrona of Moscow was blind and weak, but endured all hardships. The saint predicted future events, helping people to avoid danger, healed the sick and comforted the mourners. Shortly before her death, Matrona said that people would come in droves to her grave for help in their troubles and sorrows. And so it happened.
Attitude towards the blessed
Lines from the Gospel of Matthew: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven" become the main arguments for many Christians when they decide to go into seclusion, refuse worldly goods, saving their souls.
For the sake of Christ, the blessed avoid acquisitiveness, become disinterested, holy fools. Such behavior is contrary to the stereotypes of modern society, is considered shocking, unacceptable.
The feat of the blessed, the holy fools is that they remind of the sacrificial love of the Teacher, the need not to externally follow rituals, established norms, but heartfelt participation and adequaterecoil.
