word "Blessed" - a term that is used primarily to reflect the state in which the person is.His Beatitude the Pope announces the death of the so-called "charitable" people.The tradition of the Russian Orthodox Church - to consider some of the saints and blessed fools.The origin of the word is obliged to Old Slavonic language, and the use is associated with the religious and moral sphere.
Blessed - happy or mad?
study of word meaning "blessed", "blissful", "Blessed" - a fascinating insight into the history of Christianity, Orthodoxy, learning the traditions of Russian culture.The fact is that from the point of view of the semantic structure of the term many meanings, and its use requires thoughtful consideration.
word "Blessed" in the whole long history of the Old Slavonic and Russian languages are not just exposed to the semantic change.In ancient times, the verb "blazhiti" had to "praise."In modern language, one of the meanings of the word "Blessed" - a description of the rights, well-being when he is happy.Often the "Blessed" is called mindless obstinacy, madness, foolishness, nonsense."Blazhnov" is used to mean "stupid," "crazy," "bad."
religious interpretation of the old Christian term in Catholicism and Orthodoxy is somewhat different, but there is a common value."Blessed" is called pacified righteous, not giving in to temptation, behave insanely from the perspective of ordinary people.Thus, "for Christ's sake" was a holy fool Basil - Moscow miracle worker.Over time, beside the name of the saint appeared rank - Blessed, and the temple dedicated to him was one of the main symbols of Moscow.
If a man blessed, what this means?
Orthodox prayers called "blessed" deceased Russian tsars, the higher clergy.This title also refers to a number of patriarchs and archbishops.In ancient times, the value of this order was somewhat different, blessed considered holy, acceptable to God in secret, and their holiness is confirmed by others.
considered contemporaries mad Xenia of Petersburg - Cathedral.It's kind of a tradition Early or pozdnehristianskaya?Where did she go?
the foolishness - a tradition since the days of the biblical Old Testament
Old Testament prophet Isaiah went barefoot, did not conceal the nakedness of 3 years.His defiant, from the standpoint of ordinary people, the behavior Isaiah sought to draw attention to the words of the people of the coming Egyptian captivity.Another prophet - Ezekiel - eating bread, cooked in cow dung, which was a call to repentance.
Each of the prophets were blessed, it witnessed their contemporaries.Interestingly, the Old Testament prophets only occasionally behaved like fools, maybe they were not ready to asceticism, which later the apostle Paul said as madness 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 madness - it's contempt of the authority that imposes certain social customs, considering them to be wise.
Calling renounce Pharisees rules, Christ and the followers became "mad" for the world in which they lived.So there was the church, the term "blessed" - literally means "to play the fool for Christ's sake."
When the apostle Paul exhorted to imitate him as he imitates Christ, the faithful sought to endure all the persecution and deprivation that has undergone teacher.
the foolishness were ascetics who detached themselves from the house of the family.They amused and frightened people expose injustice and were often the focus of the crowd.
Fools and blessed
from the Greek word moros, meaning "stupid", there were old Russian word "freak" and "holy fool."These ragged wanderers consciously presents himself insane, were in special honor in Russia.From their lips they swept seemingly incoherent words, but in fact it was the most truthful speech of the glory of God.
Believers tried not to offend the foolish, considering that blissful - is sacred.And if the woman say blessed?Who is this: lucky, knows no worries or ascetic?Closer to the truth of the second interpretation.
For his vision and miracles Xenia of Petersburg was awarded the rank of Blessed.This is what life should be to deserve such a title?Xenia of Petersburg gave his house, gave the money to the poor, wore clothes of her late husband, and not responded to his, and in his name.Blessed wandered 45 years, helping the poor, took part in the construction of the temple, carrying on his shoulders the stones for it.
Blessed Matrona of Moscow was blind and feeble, but endure all hardships.Holy predicting future events, helping people avoid the dangers, healed the sick and comforted the mourners.Shortly before his death Matron said that people will come in droves on her grave for help in their troubles and sorrows.And so it happened.
Drinking blissful
line from the Gospel of Matthew: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" are for many Christians the main arguments when they decide to asceticism, abandon worldly possessions to save his soul.
For Christ blessed avoid greed, become disinterested, holy fools.Such behavior is contrary to the stereotypes of modern society, is considered to be shocking, unacceptable.
feat blessed, holy fools is that they remind us of the sacrificial love of the Master, need not follow the external rites, established norms, and cardiac involvement and adequate return.
