THE GENESIS AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE EARLY CHRISTIAN TRADITION OF UNDERGROUND ARCHITECTURE AND THEIR TRACES IN LARISA SKORYK’S SACRED ARCHITECTURE

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to investigate the early Christian traditions of underground sacred architecture, their modern interpretation and application in the sacred architecture of Larisa Skoryk. Research methods are based on the analysis of the results of archaeological, historical, theological sources regarding the emergence and rooting of the tradition of underground sacred architecture; its application in modern church architecture. Results. In contrast to the Western European early Christian tradition of catacomb burials, which was interrupted after the gradual transfer of holy relics to new temples, the Eastern European tradition of underground cave architecture, which originated in Princely Rus, originating from the Khazar-Varyaz times, developed continuously, acquiring significant dimensions and its own characteristics, which is proved by the results of archaeological and field studies. The tradition has reached our time as an integral part of Christian culture. The ancient tradition has acquired wide application and modern interpretation in many sacred projects by Larisa Skoryk. Conclusion. The early Christian architectural tradition of underground architecture, having passed the difficult path of its formation, having unbreakable connections with the foundations of Christian belief and rituals, should continue, acquiring modern forms and interpretations. Examples of the successful application of the ancient tradition can be seen in the implemented objects and projects of modern (1990s – 2020s) sacred architecture of the architect Larisa Skoryk. It is about the use of the image of "labyrinths-tunnels" for the communication spaces of monastery dwellings, in the creation of underground reliquaries, in modern crypts above objects of Christian memory, in objects of museumization of archaeological heritage.