The Undrinkable Cup

Ivan Sergeyevich Shmelev (1873-1950) — a Russian writer and publicist, twice a nominee for the Nobel Prize; nicknamed the “Orthodox literator” for a large number of texts about the spirituality of the Russian people. While in emigration, “not for a... moment in his soulful burning does he cease to think about Russia and suffer from its misfortunes.”

In the novel “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 the pious artist comes the realization of what it means to lead a truly humble life. Born in the cattle yard, the son of serfs Ilya Sharonov discovers the gift of an artist at 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 painting of the rebuilt church. Until his death, he lives righteously and gifts light with the strokes of his brush.
One of his works, an icon of the Mother of God, still brings consolation and healing to those who suffer.