Ad-Hoc Collections of Prayers

Abstract

The author analyses collections of texts included as inscriptions on religious pictures – miniature portraits of figures representing the domain of sacrum (e.g. Mother Mary or the Saints). Since these inscriptions are found in the same place and time, and they share their communicative function, they can be treated as representative of the same genre.

A philological analysis of these texts shows them as manifestations of the convention of fixed prayer (this type of message makes a central and unalterable component of the collection). At the same time, the inscriptions under analysis also contain texts with a catechetical function which make the whole text play a role of a miniature version of a prayer book. Thanks to the inscriptions in question, private forms of religious rite are bestowed a proper form, while the contact of the faithful with the Saints are kept within the doctrinal limits. Philologically speaking, these inscriptions give insight into and help preserve the traditional variety of religious style.