ДУХОВНЫЙ ОБРАЗ СВЯТИТЕЛЯ ФЕОФАНА

What are you asking me? I am a very narrow-minded person in the spiritual discernment of things and can very easily call black white and white black. Therefore, do not look at what I write as a good decision (1, p. 5). 2. I am writing to you in bookish style. You have so many experiences! Choose from them what you find attractive As for the rule, I think about it this way: whatever rule anyone chooses for himself, everything is good - as long as it keeps the soul in reverence before God. Also: read prayers and psalms until your soul stirs, and then pray yourself, outlining your needs, or without anything. “God, be merciful...” Also: sometimes all the time assigned for the rule can be spent reading one psalm from memory, making up your own prayer from each verse. Also, sometimes you can carry out the entire rule in the Jesus Prayer with bows... Or you can take a little from this, that, and the third. God needs a heart (see Proverbs 23:26), and as long as it stands in reverence before Him, then that is enough (1, pp. 8–9). This is what unceasing prayer consists of: always standing reverently before God. And in this case, the rule is only to heat or add firewood to the stove (1, p. 9). 3. When they bury you in the grave... then come whoever wants... and lay a fan G. Sh... write that someone told them a lie (as if the bishop was taking him to himself)... When they bury him in the grave... then come whoever wants to... and put a fan. They will not be buried in the church (1, p. 37). 4. Sending books and asking them to be received as guests from Vysha You wanted to say something about yourself and changed your mind. I hasten to assure you that there is no obstacle on my part to this. Tell me everything... I am sending you more books and asking you to accept them as guests from Above (1, p. 45). 5. The wish to enjoy reading and not have a single cloud of sadness in your soul I am sending you the second volume of the Philokalia. Everything that anyone who is jealous and wants to correct his heart needs will find here in the various writings of the fathers. I wish you to enjoy reading - read and not doze off. I wish that there is not a small cloud of sadness in your soul (1, p. 48). 6. The wish that the “Gospel History” be read with pleasure and sow seeds in the hearts I am sending you a book, “The Gospel Story,” accompanying it with the desire that it be read with pleasure and sow saving seeds in your hearts (1, p. 48). 7. Invisible warfare leads to always being in deep peace with God and people Spiritual warfare... Battle leading to always being in deep peace - both with God and with people, and at peace within ourselves (1, pp. 48–49). 8. Assurance of constant remembrance before God But if you thought or think that I have forgotten you, then it will be a sin. I remember you every day, asking you for all prosperity (1, p. 61). 9. Thanks for the birthday greetings Thank you for congratulating me on my name day and for your well wishes. I was very pleased with your congratulations, because apparently they came from a good heart. Save you, Lord, for such consolation (1, p. 64). 10. The desire of the saint to help with words I am willingly ready to answer and help you with a word, as much as my mind can handle (1, p. 110). I cannot understand why I delayed your entry into the monastery, for I also think, like you, that the monastery is the best place for achieving salvation, whoever enters the monastery with reason and lives in it wisely (1, p. 110). My prayer is always for children. I loved them and love them like family (1, p. 131). 12. Humble review of Saint Theophan about his retreat The distant rumor, by the time it reached you, was so disfigured that there is not even a shadow of truth in it. I definitely don’t go out and don’t accept anyone to my place. But this is happening for no other reason than to have less interference with book studies. So it turns out that I am a bookish person and nothing more. If you remember what in the Gospel usually stands next to this word, which my tongue does not dare to pronounce, because it is very close to the point, then with these two terms you will stand at the truth regarding me. And you, tea, have already written it down in the calendar (1, p. 132). 13. The books of the saint contain everything necessary for salvation Ask to give you a prayer rule... Try to always keep your inner spirit in such a way that it is always turned to God and always stands before His face and acts, as if on His behalf, so that this is done with the body, outwardly, in the normal course of everyday affairs (1, pp. 137-138). You read my books... Everything is explained in detail there. Discuss and apply to yourself (1, p. 138). Have you read “The Path to Salvation”? Good... And read it again sometime. Here everything that I have written is being written and will be written. These are my lessons to students of the St. Petersburg Academy. The abstract has been revised from Fr. Archimandrite Ignatius Brianchaninov and approved by him (1, p. 222). 14. Humble refusal of spiritual guidance and offer to help with advice Stop calling me your leader and mentor and shepherd. I don’t undertake to be such a person for anyone; and when someone asks, I say what seems appropriate to me (1, p. 222). I don’t undertake to be anyone’s leader. And talk about spiritual things in the form of meetings - why not talk! You have a leader - your spiritual father. God gave him to you, turn to him and obey him in everything. For the sake of your obedience to him, God, according to your faith, will instill in him what is most suitable for you. And I do not refuse to tell you a different word, but my word is not the same as his. His word is a commandment, and mine is advice (1, p. 139). 15. Review of the epistolary creation Home [book of St. Feofan. – Ed.] – “The Path to Salvation.” Here is the story of every Christian who is saved, from the beginning of the birth of Christian life to the end. Please read it carefully to see where you stand, what has been done and what remains to be done and where to go. It is not surprising that after reading it, some of the orders of your life need to be strengthened, while others should be weakened, others should be changed. Another book that is suitable for this is “What is Spiritual Life.” And here the picture of the life of the one being saved is fully depicted. “Letters to different persons” are only up to 30, and then they all went to one person, educated, energetic, wise and a believer from the bottom of her heart. Perhaps you are similar to her in character, and that is why the letters to her and to you are suitable (1, pp. 139–140). 16. It gives me great comfort to know that you are happy. It’s bad when someone doesn’t find happiness for themselves in their family. If you find it, thank the Lord. But try to always keep it that way. There is only one art: to start every day as if it were the first after the wedding (1, p. 170). 17. I distribute the books sent to whomever I consider necessary. Your plan to do something on the occasion of sending books is unsuitable. I do not publish or sell my books, but publishers send me a certain number of published books for distribution. I distribute it to whomever I think is necessary. If you do what you consider suitable for you, and then bow to the great sinner of the writer - that’s all you can do (1, p. 222). 18. Review of Bishop Feofan by Mitrofan Koryakin I have the honor to notify the editor that these days I will send copies of the last letters of the deceased saint... I copy all the copies with my own hand, doing this out of a sense of reverence and deep respect for the memory of the deceased saint, who with his death took with him to the grave everything that was most precious in my life: a mentor, a leader, a mourner and a prayer book, whose whole concern during his life was to to snatch perishing souls from the clutches of Belial and, together with the Angels, rejoice over every repentant sinner. Although it is difficult to reconcile with the thought that the saint has left us forever, we have consolation in the knowledge that just as here on earth he loved his neighbors, just as there, in the heavenly monasteries, standing before the Throne of the Most High, he offers up his fervent prayers for all the mourning, the poor and the unfortunate (1, pp. 243-244). 19. Laziness has taken over so much that I can no longer correct myself. Laziness has taken over so much that I can no longer correct myself. But this madam is never alone. She is the singer... and the choir is with her (2, p. 10). 20. I am working, and a lot... [After the Epistles] I will have to take up the Gospels... What is needed about the Gospels will not be finished in the next world I work, and a lot. I hasten to finish my interpretation of the Epistles of the Holy Apostle Paul. Coming sixth - 1 Cor. Pray that the Lord will help you end this. If I finish, the Council Epistles must be interpreted. And if God helps to interpret them, it will be necessary to take up the Gospels - and write with a broad hand... What is needed about the Gospels cannot be finished in the next world (2, p. 11). 21. Writing is a service of the Church... Is writing a service to the Church or not?! If the service is at hand, and yet necessary for the Church, then why look for or desire another (2, p. 11)? 22. The desire to write in such a way as to call everyone to the path of salvation How many times do I regret that I don’t know how to write in a way that touches everyone. If only I could, I would compile such a book that everyone reading it would certainly decide to begin working out their own salvation. We have a big shortage of books of this kind. We have neither a brief, but complete and impressionable presentation of dogmas, nor an image of moral life so that everything can be clearly seen (2, p. 18). 23. Reproaching yourself for laziness I thank you that, despite my extreme laziness, you do not leave me with your goodwill and memory (2, p. 23). 24. From his seclusion, Saint Theophan tirelessly shed the grace-filled light of truth. Review of Saint Theophan (Tambov Diocesan Gazette, 1895, No. 32) From his quiet retreat on Above, this humble elder shepherd tirelessly poured out the gracious light of the truth of Christ, and how many souls thirsting for this light, this gracious truth, were fed with his word, truly gracious (2, p. 41)! 25. It is saving to remember Saint Theophan, who served the Almighty all his life. Review of St. Theophan from the Tambov flock There is something to remember this saint for, to pray savingly for the one who throughout his righteous life gave his heart to the Lord, prayed intelligently before the Most High, opening his lips in prayers, supplications and unspoken sighs, peacefully raised his venerable hands, offering to the Lord daily a bloodless Sacrifice for his sins and for all his neighbors. He wished and sought salvation for everyone. They will praise the mind of Saint Theophan, who poured his soul into understanding the law of the Most High (“The Outline of Christian Moral Teaching”), who explored the hidden meaning of the Word of God (Interpretation of Ps. 33 and 118 of the Apostle Epistles, thoughts for each day according to the readings of the Word of God), who set forth the wise tales of the ancient holy men (Philokalia, 5 volumes), etc. The memory of this wise teacher will not be erased from anyone’s memory, who loves to learn from the law of God (2, pp. 73–74). 26. The beginning of the solitary life of the saint During this current post I decided not to show myself to people and not to receive anyone. Two weeks passed, at least not without attacks, but they were light. How N.N. swooped in – and didn’t know what to do. I resisted by force, my persistence was on the line. Still, he resisted. For better or for worse, he stuck to his guns. But if God blesses us to endure so well until Easter, then it will be like this forever. Or at least from Easter to Easter (3, p. 41). 27. The secrets of the saint’s inner life: temptations against the resolve to solitude and their resolution And the thought began to occur to me to visit Kyiv and what? - on Athos. But, it’s true, all this is a temptation. There is no reason for me to travel around... And even, it seems, the best order of life for me is the one that I now maintain. Why am I starting to blurt it out in prayers... Lord, let me sit longer to sit through it. It’s good, but sometimes the urge to fly somewhere comes. But then it passes - and again the desire to be alone takes over (3, p. 43). 28. Desire to interpret the entire New Testament Pray harder that the Lord will drive away laziness and give you the desire to continue this interpretation. If only the entire New Testament could be interpreted... that would be good! But it’s not for me, a sloth, to wish for this and hope to fulfill it. I’m working on something (3, p. 43). 29. Humble review of Saint Theophan about his retreat and about himself I laugh when someone says that I am in prison. This is not the same at all. I have the same life, only there are no ways out or tricks. The seclusion is real - don’t eat, don’t drink, don’t sleep, don’t do anything, just pray... I talk to Evdokim, walk around the balcony and see everyone, correspond with each other... I eat, drink and sleep to my heart’s content. I have a simple solitude for a while. I’m going to at least spend the fast, like real hermits, but the weak flesh backs down from this (3, pp. 43–44). 30. Review of Saint Theophan about himself, his works and various subjects The beauties called me a recluse, but here I don’t even smell of a reclusive spirit (3, p. 45). I'm healthy. Thanks be to the Lord. But laziness has taken hold... I don’t particularly feel like praying. A bow or two - and quickly move to the side. It’s true that only the grave will correct us scribes in this regard. She will, of course, fix it, but won’t it be too late? But my soul is hardened and my ears simply do not lead. It was as if nothing had happened. Holy! Oh, oh, oh (3, p. 45)! 31. On the interpretation of Psalm 118 This year’s “Home Conversation” will include thoughts on Psalm 118. The first notebooks are widely distributed, so there will be one verse for each issue. Sent away for six months. And we’ll see what God gives next (3, p. 46). 32. Anxiety for Orthodox Rus'. Notice of your work and lifestyle If the Lord abandons Orthodox Rus', then everything will go topsy-turvy. And I often wonder: has He abandoned her? We've already gone too far ahead. And I won’t hold back. However, there is no need to despair. History shows that there were times that were even harder, and then the sky cleared up. Lord, have mercy on us (3, p. 48)! Thank God I am healthy! And somehow I’m poring over the charter of St. Basil the Great. Strogonek! If the monks were forced to live by it, they would run away (3, p. 48). I accepted O. Mitrofan, doing a test to see if it is sometimes possible to accept someone. I see that it is impossible. We must pull to the end (3, p. 48). 33. Regarding the declaration of the Turkish war Behold the war! We must pray and repent... After all, there is something to punish us for... And if there is, then we must get down to business with fear and trembling. Let's become Ninevites! But, if someone had said this in a sermon or published it in the newspapers, I think no one would have batted an eyelid. This is what we have come to?! What about the Tambovites? Haven't you donated enough? Will they add more later? So Moscow gave up (3, p. 50)?! 34. About your skill in writing sermons Since my arrival, there has not yet been a single service without a sermon... and they listen... Your Master, when are there sermons, when is there a service every day?.. Yes, you’ll fall down. Strengthen him, Lord! I don’t think he can’t speak (3, pp. 54–55). We're having trouble with writing fees. Remember, at first I didn’t say much... precisely because I thought: writing a sermon... is the same as composing a book. That's what we all think. Reverend Seraphim then says to me: “Why think for so long?.. I sat down and wrote it in one sitting.” I didn’t believe it was possible to do this. Then somehow I became annoyed that I wasn’t preaching sermons... I came from the all-night vigil and - well, I can write what will be written... It seems that it was a sermon about the love of God. During mass he began to speak timidly... Nothing... got away with it. Then the next time, the same thing the third time, and so it went. And all the sermons in “Words to the Tambov flock,” with the exception of 3–4, are of this origin. In the evening after the all-night vigil, I wrote... I then tell you that until the Right Reverend comes to the idea of ​​writing in one sitting, don’t expect sermons. Push him onto this rut. You'll see how it goes. Preaching gives every pleasure (3, p. 55). 35. Works on the translation of the writings of St. Anthony the Great on monasticism (translated by St. Ignatius Brianchaninov) I am now sitting and translating the writings of St. Anthony the Great, the founder of monks, in order to later draw a conclusion about how he looked at monasticism. Nowadays everyone's ideas have spread. Monks – theirs, laymen – theirs. St. will tell us something. Anthony?! I started this when I arrived at Vysha, but I gave it up, but now it’s come up again. The language is difficult. Will I finish? And it’s a lot: 20 words, 20 messages, so many instructions!.. A whole book! At Rev. Ignatius in his recently published book of collected sayings... a lot is taken from these writings. The only pity is that he chose them out of order... but mixed: now about one thing, now about another (3, p. 60). 36. The saint's complaints about laziness If you don't go to church, don't worry. For God, every prayer from the heart is of equal value, no matter where it is offered. Only one habit makes a difference here. And you can get used to churchless prayer. Read less from prayer books. Pray more like this, on your own... and you can get by with just “Lord, have mercy”... Switch the services to bows and be satisfied through them. All hermits and solitaries did this. And it's much better than reading. If you don't read at all, you won't get by. But something for memory, without a book. Bless, Lord (3, p. 61)! Thank you for your tribute to Rev. Joseph. May he pray for me. Laziness completely overwhelmed me. What could I have done if it weren’t for her, the damned one? Now it has become a little easier, as I told Vladyka Plato about it. That's right, he prayed. Oh, when would I get rid of her (3, p. 61)?! 37. Thoughts on the collection of holy fathers From articles such as St. Maxima, you should compile a collection and always have it on hand. It would be a spiritual locomotive. Once! Now I can handle the messages. Then I will undertake to compile a collection of all the holy fathers. And you pray to live until then (3, p. 62). 38. The confessor is the bearer of the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ The priest during confession is not the representative of all the faithful, but the bearer (not representative) of the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, the resolver of our sins. The Lord has entrusted the power to knit and decide to the priesthood, which bears it in the same full meaning as it is in the Lord. That is why the priest says: “I am unworthy, by His power given to me, I forgive and allow (10, p. 105). In the Church, all commandments are from the Lord; members of the Church, not participating in legislation, do not have judicial power; Without having it, they cannot have claims to represent it on their own behalf. The repentant is not looking for this, so that other Christians will forgive him and excuse him, but so that the Lord will forgive and no longer remember his iniquities. This makes the permission of the priest the power and authority of the Lord; it blots out sin from everywhere, wherever it appears (10, p. 105). 39. On the need for a leader in spiritual life For all the fathers who wrote guides to spiritual life, the first point in the rules for those entering the inner life is: to have a spiritual father-guide and to obey him. I will quote here one or two of their speeches. The words of Simeon the New Theologian and Nicephorus the Monk about this have already been given, but here is what Gregory of Sinaite says: “Without a teacher, it is impossible to succeed in smart doing. What you do on your own, and not on the advice of those who have succeeded, gives rise to dangerous conceit. If the Son of God did not create anything about Himself, but as the Father taught Him, He did so, and the Holy Spirit did not speak about Himself, then who is this among us who has reached such a height of perfection that he no longer requires anyone else to guide him? This is pride, not virtue! Such a person is already in delusion, that is, he has embarked on the false path of evasion into error.” And here are the words of Callistus the Patriarch: “First of all, take care to find yourself a mentor and teacher who is not charming and, having found him, completely surrender to him, like a loving son to your own father, walking steadily according to his commands and looking at him as at Christ Himself. Whoever wants to live on his own, that is, independently, without a mentor, according to the word of the Climacus, easily deviates into error and perishes, even if he has exhausted all the wisdom of this world. Those who do not walk with advice walk as if in a sleepy reverie; they sow much, but reap very little, and instead of wheat - alas! – they gather up the weeds” (10, pp. 237–238). And in active life, rarely does anyone manage without stumbling, remaining with only their prudence. But here, at least, the harm is not so great: one thing done wrong, if necessary, and it’s easy to redo it or do it properly another time. In smart doing, deviation from the right path gives its direction to everything internal, which cannot suddenly be changed. Some of these, as we have seen, become entangled in the networks of imagination, others stop at mental activity, or, according to Simeon the New Theologian, at the first and second degrees of attention and prayer or mental activity. And when they are consolidated in this system, the most experienced and most diligent mentor will hardly be able, if only he can, to knock them out or lure them out of these slums in which they imprison themselves, finding them extremely delightful (10, pp. 238–239). 40. Intensive work on the interpretation of the Epistles The messages for another two years will be the most assiduous work. It would be sweeter for me to work on that collection, but interpretations are more necessary. Our elder Rev. Plato ordered me to give up everything for interpretation, and I gave it up... and I drove away my faithful (laziness) - and I don’t even show my nose. The work is going on very intensively (3, p. 62). 41. Memories of the death of your parents I do not know how to grieve for those who depart when I am sure that they are departing to the Lord. How can we grieve for them when they rejoice? If they see us (and they certainly do), then how unpleasant it is for them to see our tears! We would say that we are crying for ourselves, that we are losing them, and this is not okay. For they do not cease to be close to us and do good to us, only invisibly instead of visible. They are getting even closer to us. For visible existence is divided by space, and the invisible reduces the separation... so remember the ruler (only with your heart - with a living memory), he is here... Understanding things this way, I never cry or grieve for the dead... This has been since the death of my father and mother. They died two weeks apart... When I found out about this... what a heavy and gloomy cloud fell!.. But at the same moment, non-gloomy thoughts came and dispersed all the darkness... I was comforted - and not a tear... I believe that the Guardian Angel inspired this. Since then I have been sharing this faith with everyone (3, pp. 66–67). 42. Result of the Turkish campaign Well, the war is over! Are the Turks happy or are they hanging their noses? They nibbled them quite a bit. I think that the Conference will not contradict anything... because it has no strength. We've already leaned heavily on the Turk... you can't pull it off... The English, like mongrels, run around and blather to no avail. And shame on them, shame on them!.. They are also expanding! Glory to Thee, Lord! This is the last war with the Turks. Will they start to offend the Bulgarians? But it seems that the Bulgarians will be positioned in such a way that they themselves will fight back. They have great power (3, p. 69)! Are you afraid of a new war?! Yes, something seems to be going on. However, nothing definite. How cunning the enemy is! After all, everyone is glad that Christians are gaining freedom. But why did Russia do this? And well, yell at all costs. But let them yell. They won't have to do anything. And there probably won't be a war. And we will still hear the screams, perhaps for a long time. Let us pray that the Lord will arrange everything as His holy will pleases (3, p. 70). 43. Feedback on the opinion on the appointment of the saint to Japan And they want to take Vyshensky to Japan. He answers: I don’t want to go, but I’ll fly. Someone sits and invents wings. So, as soon as he comes up with an idea, I’ll buy wings and fly. But I don’t want to go - I don’t want to (3, p. 74). 44. Review of the prayer of Jonah of Kiev and John of Kronstadt N. returned with medicines. God will give them something! But I refuse Vrevsky’s [treatment]. He doesn’t heal behind the scenes, and I can’t show myself to him. So we part ways! If o. Jonah of Kyiv will beg or Fr. John of Kronstadt, to whom I wrote... that’s good. And if my sins do not allow their prayer to pass to the Lord, then God’s will be done (3, p. 80)! 45. About the end of the 2nd volume of the Philokalia I have just finished the second volume of the Philokalia. I will send it to the people of Athos for census and printing. This will last, however, for six months, if not more (3, p. 79). 46. About the end of the “Gospel Story” Compiled the “Gospel History” in the words of St. evangelists, coming up with reasons why one and not another should give order to the events of the gospel. I finished everything and now I’m rewriting it (3, p. 80). 47. Works on the publication of “Gospel History” and “Invisible Warfare” and viewing the written works of Abbess Smaragda I just looked through the “Gospel History” in print and am sending notes of typos. In three weeks I will receive copies and send them to you... and the rest of Tambov and Rev. Joseph. Rev. Leontius was instructed by the Holy Synod to review and present an opinion. I am very grateful to him. The people of Athos entrusted me with the obedience of translating “The Invisible Warfare” into Russian. I'm translating little by little. A book of ascetic nature. Published in “Soulful Reading”. The other day I received from Jerusalem from some Abbess Smaragda her written works - translations of the Philokalia and interpretation of some words of Isaac the Syrian. He asks to review it and tell me if it can be printed. The translations cannot be published because they were made not from Greek, but from Slavic. And the interpretations of St. Isaac may be printable. I haven't lost my senses yet. It seems that it should be published because the author is an abbess and her speech is firm and knowledgeable (3, p. 83)! Are you reading “Invisible Warfare” in “Soulful Reading”? I finished the other day. By half the year will end with printing. It is too blurred... and Elder Nicodemus himself would not have recognized the original. I wanted to say everything more clearly (3, pp. 83–84). 48. About the advice of Abbot Jonah regarding a sore eye K o. I wrote to Abbot Jonah and received an answer... and I act on his advice and believe that if the Lord wants to have mercy on me, then my eye will become stronger (3, p. 85). 49. Writing is the joy of the saint Rev. Joseph marvels as I write. But this is my joy. What would I do if not for this? Now, after finishing the Philokalia, I can’t find a subject I like and often get bored from idleness... Maybe, having had some rest, I’ll attack something... and work on it diligently (3, p. 89). 50. Review of the poem by L.A. Meya “Born Blind” and about the transcription of the Book of Job by F.N. Glinka The poems “Born Blind” are beautiful, but there is no truth in them. Read the Gospel of John ch. 9 – healing of a man born blind, about the blind man of Bethsaida, Gospel of Mark ch. 8, from 22 art. to 26, the Savior's Discourse on the Mount - from Matthew ch. 5, 6, 7... These three events - different - are brought together into one by Mey... The terrain depicted is not Palestinian, but the Arabian desert, which is below Palestine... You correctly judge the verse - beautiful! It occurred to me to send them to you... Read... I really liked them, and without stopping I read them from beginning to end. It seems that the soul speaks in them. And sometimes you can take your soul away with them (3, p. 95). 51. Proposal for surgery on a sore eye My eye is not better, but I think it is not worse either... If this is true, then this should not be attributed to the baron’s water, but to the prayers of Fr. John and Fr. Jonah, because I asked them precisely so that the darkness of the eye would stop. But the baron hopes to completely defeat the enemy and drive him away. Grant it, Lord (3, p. 107)! Thank you very much for informing me about the operation, which was happy and painless. N.N. They already wrote about this... and I replied that such consolation would not come to me. Because they cut off the outer thorn, but I have a thorn inside my eye. Here they do not cut off, but cut open the eye and push out the affected member - the lens. What pain must there be?! This pain scared me very much. And because of her, I rested my feet more before the operation. But as you said that a way has been found to make the eye insensitive, there is now no place for fear and I am ready for the operation. But it was not this fear alone that kept me from the operation, but more that the Moscow doctor, who examined my right eye, said that I had a cataract that was beyond the reach of surgery. If this is the case, then there is no point in thinking about the operation, although it will not only be painless, but also sweet... One thing still remains - the doctor examined my eye when it was just beginning to become clogged. It is possible that either the doctor did not fully examine and made a mistake, or that the cataract, having matured, degenerated and became amenable to surgery. Therefore, both eyes need to be examined by a doctor again. If the doctor finds the operation possible, that is, acceptable, then I will accept it (3, p. 108). 52. The saint’s humble response to the power of his prayer for his neighbors And I pray, but my prayer will not be strong, for I do not have the gift of prayer, which other men of God have, being many sinners and not having achieved the measure of true repentance (3, p. 152). 53. Answer about guidance to salvation You seem to want me to take charge of you. I don’t undertake to lead anyone, but when someone asks about something, and I mean it in a good way, I always answer with pleasure, and I promise you this (3, p. 153). 54. I don’t undertake to lead, I just say what comes to mind in response to a question. You visited N.N.; stay and listen to his lessons. He is an experienced man, but I have not seen life, so I can tell you something inappropriate. For this reason, I do not undertake to lead, I only say what comes to mind in response to questions. The confessor can rather be a leader. And it’s better not to change it (3, pp. 157–158). 55. Review of the words and works of Father John of Kronstadt and the saint’s humble review of himself I bring you deep gratitude for your words and teachings, many edifying, simple and deep, brief and complete, all-containing without excesses or verbiage. God bless your pastoral work in all its breadth. You have been given grace not only to teach, but also to create. Help you, Lord, to successfully serve your brothers in Christ with every gift that you have received from the Lord (3, pp. 166–167). You are working. And the time has come for me to lay down my weapons... You are the good shepherd, and I am the unfit archpastor. I think that there has never been such a bad bishop as me. It is because of my sins that I am now deprived of strength: I am weak in body, and even more so in spirit. Nothing worthwhile is seen behind, nothing worthwhile is expected in front. One thing remains: God, be merciful to me, a sinner! May God grant that at least this cry comes out of the heart. You wrote on your card that you are eating, my student. I would like to know when this was and where. Maybe I would remember you from something. In reality, however, it is more enough to know how you are. I wish you every success in your affairs. I ask for prayers for my all-repentance (3, p. 167). 56. Refusing a request for spiritual guidance You invite me to take you under my leadership. I cannot and do not understand this matter. That's why I never undertake to lead. Please excuse my refusal. It is done for your benefit; for, without knowing the matter, I could lead you to God knows where. I wish you to find an elder for yourself, but I can’t point you to anyone. May the Lord make you wise in the matter of salvation (3, pp. 167–168). 57. In (my) books you will find everything that I could tell you It is with pleasure that I fulfill your wish and send you several books, two rosaries, two icons of the SVM. Panteleimon... The fleece on them is one from the Holy Sepulcher, the other from the relics of St. Tikhon. In the books you will find everything that I could tell you...” (3, p. 181). 58. The joy of the saint about the good dispensation of the writing May the Lord reward you with heavenly consolation for the consolation that you gave me with your letter, in which you inform me that inner prayer is with you, that your Guardian Angel is constantly present in you, and that reminders from above to you about the unstoppability of maintaining mental prayer do not stop. What more could you want? Is it just that God gives you the strength and intelligence to diligently fulfill everything that is required of you in achieving salvation, from your efforts and labors on yourself (3, p. 220). Would you like to remember my parents? Thank you! My parent is Priest Vasily, and my mother is Tatyana (3, p. 239). 60. About the book of John of Kronstadt Father John of Kronstadt publishes his short sayings about the things of God and about spiritual life under the title “My Life in Christ.” If you meet them, read (3, p. 241). You did well that you did not come to our monastery, because due to ill health I do not accept anyone (3, p. 252). 62. Analysis and evaluation of the sent Word of repentance Let me first of all thank you for the trust in my weakness with which you forward the Word of repentance to me. I fulfill your desire with special pleasure, as a continuation of communication, which may the Lord bless us to continue. I have read the word about repentance more than once. It is edifying, especially towards the end, and can be read with some benefit. The writer indicated the soul of repentance - contrition for sins, which is very often addressed in the word. But I do not find that the subject has been examined and presented in detail. As for experimental instructions, expect them from the Optina elders. I take the knowledgeable side. In the process of repentance, there is no mention at all of the firm determination not to offend the Lord any more with one’s sin; matters contrary to previous inclinations are mentioned briefly and in passing; the point of support of the repentant - hostility to sin and the vow to work for the Lord whole-heartedly, with the help of grace, without which he cannot take a step on a new path - is not clarified. In general, if we take everything together, there will be a lot of uncertainty and incompleteness in the concepts of the work of repentance and Confession, in its parts and order. Moreover, there are many reservations that can confuse weak consciences. I leave what is indirectly related to the matter (such as, for example, p. 6, as if Adam fell in the hope of pardon. In this hope, only one who has sinned more than once and received forgiveness can sin. Adam had other tempting thoughts... and similar passages). I focus on the main subject. P. 15. “The sorrow must be supernatural.” – Therefore, it cannot be prescribed. And on p. 16 says that whoever does not have such sorrow even during confession returns home with his sins. Very strict. Supernaturalism in the matter of repentance is out of place for him. The grace of God externally awakens the sinner to repentance. Having felt this impulse, one should not delay, but immediately repent, stop sinning and turn to the Lord God. Grace oversees the whole matter and follows the inclination of the will. With permission, grace enters the heart and dwells in it. It happens. But it is impossible to prescribe what is from grace. “A deep feeling of grief” is more reliable, but one cannot say that someone who does not have it has nothing: the feeling in many cases does not depend on us. Others grieve shallowly, but more firmly resolve to sin no more. Some people hit the chest (firmly) and immediately fall into sin again, while others will simply say: I did something bad... and never return to the way they were before. The creature of repentance in changing for the better. Everything else is the situation, preceding and following. Us. 19 again: contrition is a gift, but he who does not acquire it is reproached... The ascetic who confessed every year is immediately set as a model... Well! ascetic!!! The ascetic constantly repents. Us. 19 and the process of repentance is depicted inaccurately. Repentance certainly does not give the wealth of knowledge, which must be acquired through labor, but the darkness of sin is dispelled in repentance, otherwise there can be no repentance. This is what makes repentance possible, that through the action of grace, clairvoyance of oneself, God and one’s destiny is revealed. The features of the image of God are restored both in Baptism and in Repentance. Inclinations are not destroyed, but their roots are cut off. A person, with consciousness and jealousy, goes over to the side of good. Why does the bad remain in him, but ceases to be his property? It is his burden, humbling and redemptive. And repentance frees you from punishment. In resolution, the handwriting of sins is torn apart. The person is declared innocent. What to charge for? Corrective measures sent by Providence are not the essence of punishment. As if the complete eradication of inclinations was left to us ourselves... Where should we go? If it is not the Lord, it is in vain (2, pp. 242–244). 63. Approval of one seeking salvation How amazing is your certificate: “I’m so nasty, so impatient, I dare to grumble... I don’t do anything to be close to the Lord. There was no one worse than me and there never will be.” Especially the last one is very valuable. If somewhere in the world they give 100 points, then you should put that mark too. Such sentences would have been very disastrous if it had not been written: “How I wanted to become at least a little better.” Our job is to strive forward for the best, and look back and see nothing worthy of approval. And please, according to this norm, improve your morality. There will certainly be success (4, p. 5). 64. The best image of remembering the saint Thank you for the fact that even though you didn’t write, you still didn’t stop remembering me. But what's the point of remembering? I ask you to remember me in prayer and not to ask the Lord for anything for me, so that He would give me the spirit of repentance and show me a good doer of His commandments, a sinner from among sinners (4, p. 11). 65. Humility and spiritual care of St. Theophan I am very grateful to you that, despite my non-response, you still write. Although I can’t tell you anything useful, I always want to know how your affairs are (4, p. 20). 66. Review of St. Petersburg Metropolitan Isidore You have the first words about the death of Bishop Metropolitan Isidore, which was expected - and then happened. May the Lord rest his soul! All his life he kept his heart peaceful and rested in deep peace. Blessed is the path! How wisely he tuned and wisely led his inner life! Based on these principles, he could talk about himself: I live not for this, but Christ lives in me. Amen (4, p. 39). 67. How the saint wrote sermons The peculiarity of my sermons - both these and all others - is that they are not composed. Usually, it happened in the evening, after the all-night vigil, I’d drink a glass of tea, read tomorrow’s Gospel, then the Apostle... and whatever thought comes in and occupies my attention and heart, I take it into the topic... and the sermon builds itself within itself. An hour, an hour and a half, a lot - two... and the sermon is ready... Read it in the morning, tweak it a little. Sometimes the theme is given by external circumstances, as happened when visiting monasteries... but the production is still the same. These are written improvisations; Since they didn’t come out of my head, they represent something sweetened. Let's see if other similar brochures appear to you. There will be six or seven of them; two or three is twice as much as this (4, pp. 50–51). 68. An example of the meekness of the saint I am amazed at your heroism... How can you, so sick, write like the healthiest of the healthy. I’ll imitate you... otherwise I’m such a sissy... if a flea bites me, I’ll scream to the whole world (4, p. 53). 69. Viewing “The Path to Salvation” I just re-read “The Path to Salvation.” I forgot everything that was written here and read everything as if it were someone else’s. Re-read for the new edition. Everything remains unchanged; only a lesson from St. John Chrysostom on education refers to the end of the book, and in the middle between the first and second sections he breaks his attention (4, p. 55). 70. About the writings of St. Ignatius Brianchaninov Now I will turn to the other contents of your letter. O. Hilarion of Optina told the truth about the works of St. Ignatius, and the mother abbess does well in remembering this and passing it on to others. But with sin, St. Ignatius is only the “Word on Death” and “Additions to this Word”, which form the subject of their critical discussion in my book “The Soul and the Angel - not the body, but the spirit.” In other articles, I did not notice anything similarly erroneous. His style of writing is just not good. I don’t know why, but not a single article of his, after reading it, gives a clear idea of ​​​​its subject. It is a great sin for our current church authorities to allow wrong opinions to be spread in printed books, without ordering that they be torn out from there. Those who read them learn to think that both souls and Angels are essentially material (4, pp. 57–58). 71. About Father John of Kronstadt O. John is fleeting... I’m surprised how he endures so much trouble. And the work is saving, and the reward is great. Save him, Lord (4, p. 63)! About the healing of Fr. John of Princess Baryatinskaya, someone else wrote to me... I’m very happy about this. Glory to God!.. For here is the work of God... and the work of the Church for her glory (4, p. 65). 72. About “Soulful Reading” and the death of Archimandrite Gregory “Soulful reading” I get, this is the only magazine where the articles are not clouded with wisdom. O. Archimandrite Gregory, inspector of the Moscow Academy, burned down. He was assigned to Constantinople. He went, reached Moscow and died (4, p. 65). 73. Fatherly pain about the led After all, you are no longer little! You can truly determine what is spiritually beneficial for you. If you can’t figure it out, contact your mother! She is your abbess. By obeying her, teach yourself to obey your future boss. In this you have a great advantage over others (4, p. 85). 74. Thoughts on the publication of monastic rules and works, according to the edition of the Philokalia I am sending mother N. the charter of St. Pachomia. This charter may be published. If laziness permits, I will revise it and ask the Athonites to print it. Now I have no time. I’ll finish the 5th volume of the Philokalia. Then, maybe, I’ll take up the statutes... I and Vasily the Great have the statutes in order or a general overview given. And maybe we’ll print this one. Everything depends on the favor of my queen, laziness. I noticed the typos in the third volume of the Philokalia and sent them a long time ago... Now they are probably already printed. And we should expect the book to appear soon. I'll send N to my mother... Don't bother me... The 4th volume has been rewritten. I’m re-reading the 5th and final one – I’m finishing translating. But maybe it will last until the end of Lent (4, pp. 104–105). 75. Review of St. Simeon the New Theologian You did well that you undertook to read St. Simeon. This is the most sobering father. “So your bookcase is reading books,” and you only occasionally look at them from the outside. No, you all re-read them one after another... How much good is there in the books of the Philokalia? Re-read them. These are always new books (4, p. 124). 76. Review of the writings of Father John of Kronstadt It's good that thoughts about. John enlightens you so much. I called them the fragrant morning spring breeze. Read them not just once, but several times to get everything out of there (4, p. 135). 77. I am a big sinner... so those reading will pray and appease God I am very pleased to hear that my books are of some use. I am a big sinner, but I am lazy to pray and am not willing to do other feats... so those who read will pray and appease God (4, p. 148). 78. Review of the works of Father John of Kronstadt There are books out, entitled “My Life in Christ”, Fr. John of Kronstadt... the same type as mine. But they have much better written than mine. Therefore, it is not superfluous if you meet them and read them (4, p. 155). 79. Review of the letters of George the Recluse The letters of George the Recluse are edifying (4, p. 185). 80. Review of the letters of Macarius of Optina You write that you have all read the letters of the Optina elder Macarius. Blessed are his books. A deep spirit of humility blows through them and instills it in everyone who reads them. Re-read often. It doesn’t hurt to make an extract so that, in case of need, you can warm up the spirit of humility - the most self-needing of all spirits (4, p. 211). 81. The saint’s humble review of himself as an armchair theologian And you are looking outside for what you should find inside. Moreover, they turned to a person who has no experience. You judged me from books. The books are written in an office setting, and so is their content. So my whole life passed and passes; what kind of experiences are there? I shouldn’t, due to my complete inexperience, start a conversation with you. But I thought: what? With nothing else to do, let’s at least cockroach. Se is the meaning with which the conversation begins. The Lord commanded: give to anyone who asks you. Ask - I give. The Lord is merciful and did not say: give gold, silver, expensive stones - and what you have... And take what you have. Don’t be angry if instead of white bread you find a moldy crust of sieve bread with chaff. Someone is to blame. We would turn to those who are richer. I believe that Moscow is rich in those rich in spirit. All this is written to reduce your expectations, illegally expanded by your kindness. Here is proof of my vast experience. I cannot answer both of your questions definitively (4, pp. 246–247). 82. The saint’s care for his relatives You didn’t tell me anything about my relatives. That's right, and they didn't learn anything. I am especially interested in two beauties: one is a teacher in the second preparatory class, and the other is still studying, it seems, in the fifth grade... Both of them are young and green. May the Lord make them wise and preserve them (6, p. 147). 83. News of elevation to the degree of Doctor of Theology If you don’t tell anyone, then I’ll tell you the news that the Holy Synod elevated me to the degree of Doctor of Theology. There is no decree or diploma yet, but the matter is decided. Wrote by Rev. Leonty. I’m very happy about this, even if it doesn’t make me crazy. However, until the time comes, you won’t even know about this (6, p. 213). My doctorate took a long time. But I didn’t know anything about that. Therefore, he showed neither permission nor inconsistency. In mid-January I received a letter from a St. Petersburg archpriest that this matter had come to an end. Then Rev. Leonty wrote that he signed the synod protocol. And with the past mail I received the attitude of the Academic Council, and the diploma - after. I am very glad to receive a doctorate, but previously all the Theological Academies elected me to their honorary members... and it was like a side issue for me (7, pp. 214–215). Thank you for congratulating me on my doctorate. You were not mistaken in thinking that this would be something worthy of congratulations for me. I showed off a little fanfare, soared a little higher than the clouds. And then he descended again into his usual humble rut. But where does this leave my doctorate (7, pp. 252–253)? The Academy Council notified me that I had been elevated to the degree of Doctor of Theology, but the diploma has not yet been received. This doctorate makes me very happy (7, p. 253). 84. Review of German interpreters of the Holy Books Now I have prepared a bunch of interpreters for myself - the most cool-headed - just Germans. And I’m starting to get better at interpretation. I took Petrovo’s first Message. I'll tell you a secret... What a job it is!!! You'll bake a sermon like damn. And then your eyes widen and widen and you can hardly see anything. Nemchurki are all crazy. The way they interpret it is out of hand. Such wise men! I once took up the Psalter. The Germans have distorted everything... but they rely on the Hebrew text. And it became necessary to take up Jewishness... Things went a little better... And it will, just to make out where they are going and where they need to go. It's a small matter. There is no Jewish Bible. And I don’t know where to turn. There, it seems, you have a Bible Society agent and a shop in St. Petersburg. If there really is, then it is true that the Hebrew Bible is also there. Please buy it and send it. I will send the money (7, p. 14). Thank you very much for the sermons you delivered. I received it by post. It's like they've gotten better. It’s true that your zeal for printing gave them extra beauty. It even seems that now you won’t be able to write like that... Even though they were all written in the evening during the service or even in the morning before mass. I haven't preached sermons for a long time. Relax Now I feel stronger and as if I started talking again. Send it as soon as possible by transport. They may be required (7, p. 19). 86. The saint’s studies in English language and literature Another request. You are my English professor for providing me with a self-instruction manual... a very thorough one. Now you will be a professor of English literature. I feel an extreme need for English interpreters of Scripture and church historians. It is likely that they are more dignified and more God-fearing than the Germans and deeper than the French... Help me acquire this kind of writings. Find out what good interpretations of Scripture and good Church histories are in English and what better theological journal there is, and tell me. I will order L. Isakov to be discharged. You can find out from Ivan Terentievich Osinin, an academic mentor... or whether there are any English priests there. It seems that there is a certain G. Michel in St. Petersburg - the secretary of the English embassy... Now isn’t he the consul?! It seems like this was mentioned in the newspapers. He visited me in Vladimir, and from his speeches it was clear that he was not alien to theological concepts. Maybe he knows. Manage to scout out everything (7, pp. 20–21). 87. Response to the invitation to Athos I thank the Panteleimon team for their offer. But the saints must go there, and it is convenient to sin even on the Highest. So what is the need to move (7, p. 49)? 88. About Archimandrite Lawrence I know the least about Father Lawrence. I visited him often at the Academy, but there was almost never any talk about his circumstances... Usually, the way you saw him is how he always is. The main thing about it is freedom from anger. An image of meekness. I have never seen him angry. Sometimes he will seem to speak angrily, but the tone of his speech always betrays him and shows that he is pouting to get angry, but does not know how. I didn’t find him in the seminary anymore, or I was in literature, as it was then, and didn’t raise my attention to theologians. At the Academy he lived very secludedly and hardly went anywhere. All houses and houses. When there’s a holiday of fellowship, he’ll say... “I’ll come, I’ll come”... and the next day he’ll apologize: he was just about to get ready, but they got in the way... Frakov couldn’t stand it... he kept scolding them... and he made up a shameful story about them. He was a great faster... and his face seemed full, but his body was almost non-existent. There is no stomach: it collapsed. When he put on his tailcoat, he came out looking like a board, dressed... The cassock and cassock brightened everything up... And he became plump. The first and last weeks - once I only had lunch on Wednesday on the first... And on Passion - on Wednesday and Thursday. And in general the food was meager, even though they had a common table. I kept getting ready to get married... Tea, I was choosing two brides. No, it didn’t work... The late Bishop Philaret used to return from St. Petersburg and when they met he would say: “Well, Makarov, I came to tonsure your hair...” Jokingly! And he cut his hair. We often went to the Lavra... On Sundays and holidays... The professors all treated him with respect... He was a man of advice and consolation (7, pp. 95–96). 89. Advice on prayer: turn to the works of Bishop Ignatius Brianchaninov About mental prayer... It would be good to write, but I lack the strength. This needs to be done by a prayer husband. Here the Right Reverend Ignatius wrote: Let them be content with this... And Macarius of Optina in one letter treated very unfavorably... to those who cling to this matter with pretentious methods. If you start telling the truth, you need to blaspheme these methods... But then they will curse you... and kill you from the world. It is better to remain silent (7, pp. 96–97). 90. On the history of the book “What is spiritual life” This is what I have recently created: Letters about what spiritual life is and how to get better at it. Numbering 80, on 19 or so six-sheet notebooks. Much has been interpreted, but not everything yet. Two more such packs are expected. Question: how to print them? I was thinking of sending it to “Soulful Reading” - this part alone will last for a year and a half. I was thinking to “Home Conversation”. And the same thing there. I have to print it separately. How? By ourselves? Or should I offer it to the people of Athos? I am writing to Arseny. Whatever he wants... Do you know why Arseny began to resist?.. Once I wrote - to seduce the Athonites - I don’t remember what to print. He thinks that when they offer him to print, they are seducing him. And he becomes alienated. These letters, I think, are not without interest... Written to a young beauty. The publication must be untitled. So we came across a beauty. This is a small part of the letters actually written. Most of it has been compiled again. The next part will all be compiled again, but this will be written after the 2nd part of the Philokalia (7, p. 107). 91. Refusal of offered service in Japan Your Bishop writes to Tambovsky that Fr. Nikolai Yaponsky asks to suggest to Vyshensky if he would agree to work in Japan. Vyshensky wrote to Tambovsky that he didn’t want it: his lower back was gnawing. Where should a blind person go? And then he wrote the same to Pitersky (7, p. 118). 92. The significance of the book of the Lives of Saint Barlaam and Joasaph the Prince for the knowledge of the Christian faith and life Back in Jerusalem, in the monastery of St. Savva, I saw a large handwritten book: “The Life of Varlaam the Elder and Joasaph the Prince.” And I was going to read everything - but I didn’t get around to it. At home, since I wrote out the holy fathers and met between the writings of St. This book of Damascus is in print, I also kept looking at it to read it, but didn’t read it. The other day, having the need, on the occasion of Ushinsky’s conversation about the veneration of the icon, to look at the words of St. about this. Damascene, again caught his eye on this book and decided to read it. So what? In general, there is no better book for understanding the Christian faith and life, and there can hardly be one. Why is translation being undertaken, or what is meant by publication with pictures? This will be better than all catechisms (7, pp. 165–166)! 93. Praise for the “Gospel History” of Father Pavel Matveevsky and indication of the necessary corrections in the order of the Gospel stories I bring you great joy. I looked through the “Gospel Story” by Fr. prot. Matveevsky and found it not only satisfactory, but excellent. There is nothing like it in the whole world. A careful consideration of the deeds and words of the Savior, a reverent tone of speech, and a wealth of paternal and church testimonies constitute its distinctive features. Not a single soul will read it without delight and edification. Behold, I will tell you the truth (7, p. 220). However, as you know, not a single human work is without a but. I also bet, but I’ll just express it this way: something calls for seconds. 1. At the beginning of the Lord's gospel in Capernaum, p. 295. The calling of fishermen according to the Gospels Matt. 9, 1–8 and Mark. 2, 1–2 merged with the wonderful catch of fish according to Ev. OK. 5, 17–26. These tales, obviously, do not have the same subject. At St. There is no mention of calling at all from Luke. 2. The Talks on the Mount of the Evangelist Matthew and the Evangelist Luke were also merged. They are great. Each one must be read and interpreted separately. But we must admit that it is difficult to determine with precision the place for conversations on the Gospel of Luke. One can, however, speculate that it could have been offered to the people before one of the wonderful feedings of the people in empty places. Conversations must be written and interpreted one after another. 3. I was very glad that the section of the Evangelist Luke is from the end of the 9th chapter. until the beginning of the 18th - not torn apart and laid out in full. But the second is instructed to declare that some places were taken out in vain. OK. 11, 9–32; 8, 18–21 and, it seems, there are more. If it is customary not to split up this department, then it is illegal to make exceptions for some places. All of them could be repeated. 4. It is better to place the return of the 70 apostles at the end of the Lord’s last walk through Galilee, after the parable of the publican and the Pharisee (for it is said that they were appointed to go ahead of the Lord). If someone does not want to do this, then in every possible way, placing the legend about this in the place where it stands in the series of legends, stipulate that, according to the meaning of the speech about the 70... this legend should stand at the end of the description of the Savior’s last walk through Galilee. 5. In general, regarding the middle part of the “Gospel History”, it should be noted that it is in vain that the Lord’s stay in Capernaum and walks through Galilee are not indicated. After all, this is truth, not fiction. And so it was. This greatly supports attention and promotes memory. 6. At the Last Supper, the indication of the traitor in the Evangelists Matthew and Mark comes before the establishment of the Sacrament of Body and Blood, and in this “Gospel History” - after. However, in this case you can do without seconds. The Evangelist Luke stands for it - church songs and fatherly thoughts. 7. The farewell conversation is torn in half. One half - the last - is set aside for the road during the transition to the Garden of Gethsemane. This means forcing the Savior to speak in vain, for on the road two can speak comfortably, but how can 12? Conversations are of great importance, especially the closing prayer. What the Savior said: Get up, let's go - there is no reason to divide... The Lord stood up and again began the conversation standing; talked a little. and said a prayer. Perhaps He stood up only for this prayer, and spoke before her, preparing for it. Seduces: I am the vine 37... As if the reason for this word requires a look at the vines in order to see how to leave the house... But in Jerusalem itself there were no vineyards, and upon leaving the city there was an immediate descent into the Kidron stream - steep, where there was no time for conversation... 8. Denials of St. Peter is presented vaguely. It is good that all the renunciations are described together, so as not to distract attention from what is being said about the Lord, and to present the renunciation itself more clearly. But it is not good that three renunciations are not clearly stated. The description itself shows 6 of them. How about three?! In my “Gospel History” it is suggested: how are there three, when in the stories of the evangelists there are more of them, each with special features that do not allow them to be merged into one? Why is this assumption impossible?! Because it yields 9 renunciations. Let there be 9, but they are reduced to three. And the reason is shown. But like 6-7 renunciations of Fr. There will be three archpriests - not visible. I remember that my first thought - about the three renunciations at 9 - was born while reading the council on Nestorius. It is said that they called him three times. But how many times did they tell him: go, the cathedral is calling? They came for him three times, but each time they invited him more than once, and he refused more than once; everything that was invited three times is written down. And in our everyday life it happens that someone says: he asked someone three times; Meanwhile, he went to ask three times, and asked more than once each time... Based on these incidents, I formed the assumption that they were approaching St. Peter three times, but he denied not three times at all, but three times each time. From this you can see that a second is very appropriate for this occasion. 9 . The death of Judas is inserted into the midst of legends about the suffering of the Lord. I put it at the end of the events on Friday, so as not to distract attention from the suffering of the Lord. But, according to the content of the Gospel story about this, this can be attributed to the post-resurrection and even to the post-ascension... The bishops consulted, they bought the village and, it seems, they were burying the strange ones. Could all this happen on Friday?! This is what affected me after reading the “Gospel Story”. Read soon. Maybe something else was seen that deserves the second's attention... I apologize. I'll tell you later. These notes did not subside even a hair's breadth from my complete praise of the "Gospel History" of Fr. prot. Matveevsky. If you meet him, I bow to him earnestly. I admire his work. However, I also want him to pay attention to my notes and correct what needs to be corrected in the next editions, of which I wish him not two or three, but dozens (7, pp. 220–224). Matveevsky’s “Gospel History” is truly as I wrote, but I am not going to say the same in print. Only thanks to Konstantin Petrovich for the book, he praised the goodness... and prescribed deviations from my plan, on occasion. It is fitting for him to know everything in order to act accordingly (7, p. 225). I have again offended you: I have not written for a long time. But I always remember you not only at the proskomedia, but also before the Bloodless Sacrifice, after the completion of the Gifts. And I am at peace. The work of spiritual communication is completed: why after this the ink memory (7, pp. 235–236)? 95. About “Letters on Spiritual Life” What is written in “Letters on Spiritual Life” can be done by everyone. Because this is the essence of the Christian cause (8, p. 80). You might be interested in: