THE SYMBOLISM OF LIGHT IN “TO ST. KLIMENT OHRIDSKI” BY EM. POPDIMITROV

This article analyzes the symbolism of light in the poem “To St. Clement of Ohrid” by Emanuel Popdimitrov. The study is based on a poetological, structural, and hermeneutic approach. Through these methods, it examines the function of light as a leading compositional principle and traces the relationship between its medieval meanings and their reinterpretation in the poem. The main aim of the study is to reveal the image of St. Clement as a spiritual bearer of knowledge and faith, oriented toward a deeper spiritual understanding. Central to the analysis are the motifs of enlightenment, the power of the word, and the connection between the heavenly and the earthly. The following images are highlighted: light and the saint, as well as musical instruments (trumpet, cymbal, bell, pipe), natural elements (cloud, dew, swallow, nightingale), and sacred symbols (church, fiery lily, bees).