Letters from Priest John Bazarov to V.A. Zhukovsky

The article is the first to publish documents related to the history of the relationship between priest John Bazarov and V.A. Zhukovsky -three letters from Bazarov to Zhukovsky in 1845-1848 and the baptismal certificate of P.V. Zhukovsky, the poet's son.The publication is based on autographs, accompanied by textual and real commentary.The biographical and historical-cultural context of the published materials is reconstructed.The main attention is paid to the beginning of Bazarov's acquaintance with V.A. Zhukovsky, which took place in November 1844, when Zhukovsky arrived for a church service at the newly opened St. Elizabeth Church in Wiesbaden, of which Bazarov was the rector.Subsequently, the poet became a regular parishioner of the church in Wiesbaden.He could often be seen here at divine services with his children, whom he sought to receive communion as often as possible, using every opportunity for this.The roughness in the relationship between Zhukovsky and Bazarov in the initial period of their acquaintance is explained by the youth and inexperience of the latter, multiplied by his timidity in front of the venerable poet.Bazarov's inability to give instructions in confession, awkward attempts to switch to a new style, imaginary or real clerical flaws, lack of skill in making demands -all this was covered by Bazarov's sincerity, his enlightened faith, which Zhukovsky valued so much.By 1848, Zhukovsky and Bazarov's relationship was already quite trusting, and they worked together to implement many charitable and educational initiatives.