The Indestructible Cup

Ivan Sergeyevich Shmelev (1873–1950) – a Russian writer and publicist, twice nominated for the Nobel Prize; nicknamed the 'Orthodox writer' for his numerous texts on the spirituality of the Russian soul. While in exile, 'not for a moment in his spiritual burning does he cease to think of Russia and suffer from its misfortunes'.
In the novella 'The Indestructible Cup', written during incredibly difficult times for the author, the feeling of spiritual joy prevails, which arises in the heart of a deeply believing person when touching the sacred. From the life story of the pious artist comes the realization of what it means to lead a truly humble life. Ilya Sharonov, the son of serfs born on a farmstead, discovers his gift for painting from an early age and, with the mercy of a young master, goes abroad to study the art of painting. After some time, longing for the past brings him back to his homeland, where he is entrusted with the decoration of a reconstructed church. He lives righteously until his death and gifts light with the strokes of his brush.
One of his works, the icon of the Mother of God, still brings comfort and healing to those who suffer.