Hermeneutics of Old Russian Literature Hermeneutics of Old Russian Literature 1607-6192 2713-2226 IWL RAS https://doi.org/10.22455/HORL.1607-6192-2026-25-99-131 Research Article and Publication of Archival Documents Articles Nature and Functions of Hymnographic Interpolations in the Messages of Prince Simeon Shakhovskoy Malyuta Evgeny G. old-rus@imli.ru 2026 25 99 131 Copyright © 2026, IWL RAS 2026 The article’s dedicated to exploring the peculiarities of Prince Simeon Shakhovskoy’s use of quotes from various liturgical sources in his private letters. It focuses primarily on the author’s different approaches to incorporating liturgical materials into works that are explicitly not hymnic, serving specific purposes. The study examines a series of letters written by Prince Simeon: a theological and polemical treatise, several letters concerning book-related matters, and two petitions. It analyzes the reasons and methods for including hymnic fragments in the texts of these letters, demonstrating the significance of such passages in the author’s argumentation system, as well as their semantic and stylistic functions. The research showcases Shakhovskoy’s flexible approach to employing both direct hymnic interpolations and allusions to well-known, easily recognizable moments from the liturgical cycle. The author’s attention to the stylistic and emotional expressiveness of these passages, often included in contexts that are not typical for them, thereby acquiring new, unexpected connotations, is emphasized. With this focus of study, Shakhovskoy’s literary mastery becomes evident as he adapts hymnic material to achieve the primary objective of each specific letter. 1. Beneshevich, “Cherkasskii, Ivan Borisovich” [“Cherkassky, Ivan Boriso- vich”]. Russkii biograficheskii slovar’, vol. 22. St. Petersburg, Tipografiia I.I. Skoro- khodova Publ., 1905, pp. 212–216. 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