Theological-political treatise by Stephan Iaworski “Signs of the coming of the Antichrist and the end of the age” in the context of the literature of the Baroque age.

Abstract

The article deals with issues connected with history of the genre of theological polemic tracts in Ukrainian literature in the 17–18 centuries, particularly with polemics between orthodox authors and representatives of the old faith. Characteristic features of the genre have been outline in the tract "Znameniya..." by Stephan Iaworski. Stefan Jaworski in his treatise uses purely “literary” techniques. For the title page he takes the verse with typical Ukrainian Baroque features: this poetry containing exegesis apocalyptic signs was set up on the recipient’s perception of treatise. Determining common topics the author pays attention to tier totally different resolving. As the author sees in his treatise clearly tracked the impact of contemporary homiletics, and this is mainly due to the author’s understanding that most of his audience will be taken into the ear, due to low levels of education in Russia. The role of Russian schismatic literature is underline. There are determined phase of develoment and character stylistic features and main direction of Ukrainian theological polemic that time. In our article are also determined the treatise Ukrainian baroque. In his treatise in his treatise Stephan Iaworskiy used such rhetorical techniques as a combination of concrete and abstract, emotional and rational things. The treatise is typical text of Ukrainian Baroque literature. In his treatise there are many interesting metaphors popular baroque icons. The dynamism, intellectual game give us a reason to consider this treatise as one of the most interesting phenomena of Baroque age.