REPENTANCE MOTIF IN ANTONII RADYVYLOVSKYI'S SERMONS

The purpose of the article is to highlight how the Christian doctrine of repentance is presented in the sermons of the prominent Ukrainian Orthodox preacher Antonii Radyvylovskyi. The comparative, culturalhistorical, hermeneutical methods are used in the study. The analysis of the motive of repentance contributes to the study of the paradigm of ideas and images used by Radyvylovsky in his work, constituting the scientific novelty of this research. Conclusions. In his sermons, Antonii Radyvylovskyi repeatedly highlights sincere repentance as an important category in the Christian doctrine of salvation. Staying in the framework of the official Orthodox doctrine, the preacher, however, is free in presentation and interpretation of the concept of repentance for his audience. According to his texts, true repentance and atonement have the power to return a person to the original holiness, the spiritual state which is expressed by the metaphor of ascension to heaven and dressing in the robes of immortal glory. Repentance is not an instantaneous act, but a protracted process that includes genuine remorse, confession, and atonement described by Radyvylovskyi as «dosyt uchynienie». Without changing oneʼs life and giving up old sins, repentance will not be complete, as well as without exercising active virtue – «to compensate» for sins committed beforehand. The emphasis on active righteousness – vi- ta activa, good deeds – is characteristic of Radzylowskiʼs work. At the same time, Radyvylovskyi allows the possibility to receive forgiveness of sins already after the true remorse in case if it is impossible to perform the sacrament of penance. Moreover, the preacher urges priests not to impose a heavy penance on the faithful, so as not to discourage them. Thus, it can be concluded that in his sermons Radyvylovskyi demonstrates a human-centered vision of the mission of the priesthood in their role to encourage people to repent. It is remarkable that the Ukrainian preacher creates his sermons in the time of military turbulence and social changes, contrasting the devaluation of human life with the care for his flock, its physical and spiritual well-being, the key to which, in his opinion, is sincere repentance before God