Наголошено, що етична парадигма трактату "Про наслідування Христа" стає визначальною для Шевченка у певні періоди життя та суттєво впливає на ідейну спрямованість окремих текстів. Акцент робиться на розгляді тематичних паралелей із текстом у життєвій позиції письменника, його релігійних поглядах (відображених у листах та щоденнику), а також осмисленні принципу "imitatio Christi" у художньо- літературному форматі. Для творчості Тараса Шевченка одним із найбільш потужних христологічних мотивів став мотивстраждання.
The article considers various aspects of the ethical paradigm of the tractatus "The imitation of Christ" by Thomas a Kempis, which becomes decisive for Taras Shevchenko in certain periods of life and significantly affects to the ideologicalorientation of literary texts. The tractatus presents the idea that the study of Christ"s life and the emulation of his example is the highest achievement that man can imitate. Book is full of practical and straightforward advice for spiritual growth. The emphasis is placed on the consideration of thematic parallels with the text of the tractatus in the life position of Taras Shevchenko"s, his religious views (reflected in letters and diary), as well as understanding the concept of "imitatio Christi&" in the literary format. The religious source of tractatus was discussed in the investigation, particularly, сhristological motives, as well as aspects of Christian ethic present in Shevchenko"s poetry. And as a matter of fact, the existence of Chri&stian motives, as a structure, which elements are transformed, depending on context, circumstances and individual author"s desire, ensures wholeness and completeness of Shevchenko"s creation work. For Taras Shevchenko"s poetical creation work, one of& the most powerful Christological motives was the motif of suffering, which appealed to Christ the Martyr, who atoned for human sins. Much attention is given to one of the most powerful Christological motif in Shevchenko"s poetry - the motif of humil&ity, which in the poet"s texts is connected with the polysemantic image of Christ. According to the Shevchenko, humen, through their suffering can be cleansed from sins, rise to a higher plane of spiritual development. Also the article gives a detail&ed analysis of motives patience, tolerance and love for one"s neighbour.
