Yurodivy

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(Redirected from Holy Fool)

The yurodivy (Russian: юродивый, yuródivïy) is the Russian version of "foolishness in Christ" (Russian: юродство, yurodstvo or jurodstvo), a peculiar form of Eastern Orthodox asceticism. The yurodivy is a "holy fool" who goes around half-naked, is homeless, speaks in riddles, claims to be clairvoyant and a prophet, and may occasionally be disruptive and challenging to the point of immorality.

[edit] Origin

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Part of the Biblical basis for it can be seen in 1 Corinthians, chapter 4, verse 10, which famously says:

"We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised." (KJV).

There are also parallels in non-Christian Oriental religion, notably amongst Zen monks, and the Mahasiddhi traditions.

The practise was recognised in the hagiography of fifth-century Byzantium, and it was extensively adopted in Muscovite Russia, probably in the 14th century.

The madness of the yurodivy was ambiguous, and could be real or simulated. He (or she) was believed to have been divinely inspired, and was therefore able to say truths which others cannot, normally in the form of indirect allusions or parables. He had a particular status in regard to the Tsars, as a figure not subject to earthly control or judgment.

The Russian Orthodox Church numbers 36 yurodivys among its saints, most prominently Basil Fool for Christ, who gives his name to Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow.

[edit] The yurodivy in art and literature

After the 17th century the yurodivy existed more in the arts than in real life. Prominent examples are the fool in Boris Godunov, Pavel's mother in The Brothers Karamazov and Prince Myshkin in The Idiot. The composer Dmitri Shostakovich and the pianist Maria Yudina have been cited as 20th century examples of the type.

Films including the yurodivy include the Red Western The Burning Miles; the character Kayom in At Home Among Strangers, who quickly turns from foe to friend can be seen as such a figure.