Alexander Nevsky or Alexander Svirsky: On A. N. Ostrovsky’s Patron Saint

Abstract

The article is devoted to the issue of A. N. Ostrovsky’s patron saint, practically unexplored in literature. Traditionally, his patron saint is believed to be the holy blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky. The basis for this correlation is the day of August 30. On this day the relics of Alexander Nevsky were transferred from Vladimir to St. Petersburg, and on the same day Alexander Ostrovsky necessarily celebrated his name day in his estate of Shchelykovo. The author of the article draws attention to the fact that the holy Reverend Alexander Svirsky was the closest saint to the time of Ostrovsky’s christening, and the future playwright could be named in his honor. The circumstances accompanying the acquisition of the name Alexander are noted: a letter from the playwright to his uncle, priest P. F. Ostrovsky, some significant characteristics from the biography of this relative. The author compares episodes from the life, canon and acathistus of St. Alexander Svirsky, and then Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky with the life and work of Ostrovsky. As a result, the author concludes that Reverend Alexander Svirsky may well be considered Ostrovsky’s patron saint. Nevertheless, this conclusion does not exclude controversy.

Keywords

• a. n. ostrovsky
• grand duke alexander nevsky
• reverend alexander svirsky
• name day
• life
• canon
• acathistus
• biography
• creativity