Slovo o zakone i blagodati
Quick Summary
The Sermon on Law and Grace (Slovo o zakone i blagodati) is a significant work of Old Russian literature, likely written between 1037 and 1050 by Hilarion of Kiev. Hilarion was the first native metropolitan of Kiev and a prominent writer and orator of the 11th century.12
This sermon is an accomplished piece of rhetoric that contrasts the Old Testament law with the New Testament grace. It extols Saint Vladimir for establishing Christianity in Kievan Rus and eulogizes the Slavic people. Hilarion fused local patriotism with Christian belief, viewing the Rus Church as a Slavic adaptation of Byzantine Christian culture. The work demonstrates a deep familiarity with Greek patristic literature and is styled after Byzantine imperial panegyrics.12
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