The Strength of Holiness and the Holiness of Strength: Ethnocultural Sources of Modern Spiritual Practices

Abstract

The article analyzes the ethnocultural origins of the cult of strength in contemporary Slavic neo-paganism and its correlation with the Christian understanding of holiness. The author examines the reasons for the popularity of neo-pagan movements among the young and the military analyzing their claims to represent ‘authentic’ ethnic identity through the sacralization of physical strength. The work traces the etymological connection of the Proto-Slavic root *svęt- with the concepts of growth, fertility, and vitality, suggesting the archetypal nature of the perception of strength as an emanation of holiness in the Slavic mentality. Particular attention is paid to the transformation of these meanings in Russian spiritual culture, where, under the influence of Christianity, the understanding of holiness shifted towards personal spiritual asceticism and “light-bearing”. The conclusion proposes theological and practical responses of the Russian Orthodox Church to the challenges of modern neo-paganism, focusing on the patristic heritage and the tradition of military holiness.