The olfactory elements in the heritage of St. Basil the Great

Abstract

The role of olfactory elements in the works by St. Basil the Great (of Caesarea, approx. 330-379) is considered. Basil the Great set forth a large-scale theocentric projection of cosmic existence. He presents the Human as a creature that comes into gnoseological relationship with the world and tries to comprehend himself. The sense of smell helps to comprehend the fullness of being, that is especially topical for those texts in which God's majesty is glorified. The use of artificial aromas, according to the Saint, is appropriate in the liturgy, while in everyday life is undesirable, though it is an evidence of human yearning for Paradise. Comparisons with olfactory rhemes, with a derivative meaning “aroma” help the theologian to prove the good essence of Christianity. From a practical point of view, the close attention to the odorous details is due to the rhetorical principles: an orator must master the art of verbal transformation of sensations that are perceived through the senses. Conceptually, the concentration of the Saint on the olfactory area is justified by the setting on the knowledge of human nature and the surrounding world, as well as interest in the question of the way the procession of the Holy Spirit.