Hermeneutics of Old Russian Literature Hermeneutics of Old Russian Literature 1607-6192 2713-2226 IWL RAS https://doi.org/10.22455/HORL.1607-6192-2024-23-29-72 Research Article Articles PORTRAIT OF PATRIARCH NIСON IN THE SYNOD’S HISTORY BY METROPOLITAN PAISIUS LIGARIDES OF GAZA Sevastyanova Svetlana K. old-rus@imli.ru Rylik Polina A. old-rus@imli.ru Bondach Albert G. old-rus@imli.ru 2024 23 29 72 Copyright © 2026, IWL RAS 2026 The article aims to analyze the metaphors and comparisons used by Metropolitan of Gaza Paisius Ligarides to describe the appearance, spiritual state and certain deeds of Patriarch Nicon (1652–1666, †1681). Impressed by one of the portraits, painted by the German artist Johann Deters (†1655), depicting Moscow’s hierarch’s appearance, ethnic, physical and physiological features, Ligarides created an “anti-portrait” of the disgraced Patriarch. Ligarides identifies some features which, according to him reveal the “beastlike” appearance of Patriarch thus, reflecting Ligarides’ subjective negative attitude towards Nicon. Comparisons with empusa (lamia and mormolyce), kallikantzaros, cyclops, centaur, ephialtes, and the Gorgon beheaded by Perseus and Telchin allowed Ligarides to draw an unreal image of Nicon and in a way that readers could visualize it in their own way based of their extent of erudition and impressionability. This study attempts to match the grotesque image of the Patriarch with the medieval culture tradition, assuming that “anti-hagiography” and portrait art of Flemish artist Quentin Masseys (1466‒1530) have certain cultural parallels with Ligarides’ literary methods. Finally, in portraying Nicon’s appearance Paisius Ligarides appears to have been based on Pseudo-Aristotle’s Physiognomy although, Aristotle’s statements about the connection of appearance with moral qualities seem to be entirely misinterpreted. Also the original text of the part, devoted to portraiture of Nicon, as well as its contemporary translation into Russian will be published for the first time. The publication of the text is accompanied by factual commentary.