The image of Orthodoxy in the Revelations of St. Birgitta of Sweden: on the ideology of Magnus Eriksson's campaign against Novgorod in 1348

the aim of this article is to examine the image of Orthodoxy in the "Revelations" of St. Brigitta of Sweden during the Crusade against Novgorod in 1348-1438. Historiography typically cites Bridget's calls for a campaign against Rus' without analyzing the references to Orthodoxy in her "Revelations". The author analyzes Bridget's attitude toward Eastern Christians, who were, on the one hand, portrayed as schismatics who had deviated from the true faith, and on the other, as pious people ignorant of the true role of the papacy. The primary focus is on the role of religious factors, in particular, how the "Revelations" of St. Brigitta of Sweden reflect the image of "schismatic" Orthodoxy in Swedish society. The study demonstrates that the ideology of Birgitta's "Revelations" could have been a significant factor in mobilizing resources and justifying the campaign against Novgorod, but takes into account that the description of Birgitta as the inspirer of this campaign comes from later sources. It concludes that religious rhetoric played a contradictory role in justifying and motivating Magnus Eriksson's military campaign against Novgorod.

Orthodoxy, image of Orthodoxy, Birgitta of Sweden, ideology of the crusade, Magnus Eriksson, Swedish crusade, medieval diplomacy