The Undrinkable Cup

Ivan Sergeyevich Shmelev (1873-1950) - a Russian writer and publicist, twice a nominee for the Nobel Prize; nicknamed "the Orthodox writer" for a large number of texts about the spirituality of the Russian soul. While in exile, "not for a moment in his spiritual fervor does he cease to think of Russia and suffer from its misfortunes." In the novella "The Undrinkable Cup," written during incredibly difficult times for the author, a sense of spiritual joy prevails, which arises in the heart of a deeply believing person when touching the sacred. From the life story of a pious artist comes the understanding of what it means to lead a truly humble life. Born on a peasant yard, the son of serfs, Ilya Sharonov finds in himself the gift of an artist from a young age and, by the grace of a young master, goes abroad to study the art of painting. After some time, nostalgia for the past brings him back to his homeland, where he is entrusted with the fresco of a rebuilt church. Until his death, he lives righteously and brings 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.