Библейски топоси за изобразяване на жени-светици в южнославянските литератури през Средновековието
Biblical Topoi in the Representation of Female Saints in Medieval South Slavonic Literatures

Summary/Abstract: The theme of female sanctity in Orthodox Slavonic medieval texts is not a frequent subject of study. The article deals with the specific nature of female sanctity in hagiographic and hymnographic texts of South Slavonic literatures, examining texts dedicated to St. Paraskeva of Tarnovo (Paraskeve of Еpibatai), St. Philothea and St. Empress Theophano, whose relics were transferred in the thirteenth century to the then Bulgarian capital of Tarnovo. St. Paraskeva and St. Philothea are canonized as Reverend Saints, while Empress Theophano, not being a nun, is praised as a hermit. The use of the same encomiastic model, namely – the interpretation of archetypal Christian cult of Theotokos the “city patroness,” is of crucial importance in shaping the liturgical cult of the three female saints. On the one hand, this is an interpretation of the Theotokos cult as a glorification of the mother’s womb; on the other hand, it represents the female saint as an “immaculate bride of Christ.” In all these cases one comes across the universal topoi representing sanctity (“luminary” and “torch,” “sun” and “star”). The second important circle of topoi is particularly specific to depictions of female sanctity: “lily,” “dove,” “swallow” and so forth. The third circle of topoi is connected with “masculine behaviour in a female body.” The text presents examples of topoi characteristic of each of these circles. Among universal topoi concerning Reverend Saints (male or female) are their angelic features. The biblical symbols used in depicting types of sanctity express most clearly hierarchy. Another topos which stands out in hagiographic portrayals is that of Heavenly Bridegroom and of female Saints as Christ’s immaculate Brides, guardians of purity, righteousness and immaculateness.

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