2015 Issue №12

Almost all recent historical and literary studies agree that the Livonian Chronicle conveys an impression of a poetical work containing archaic elements. The affinity between the Chronicle and German heroic epic poetry is often stressed. The established perspective, which distorts the image of the Chronicle, requires adjustment. This literary study into the Chronicle’s text complements research on the development of corporate identity in the Teutonic Order.

The article considers the evolution of the structure and form of Eastern Slavic iconostasis as a reflection of the major social and political ideas of their creators in terms of cultural and confessional affinity. The author emphasizes the role of mutual influences during periods of ideological crises. The role of Western Russian innovations in the development of the appearance of Moscow iconostases of the late 17th century is demonstrated.