Stromata (translation by N. Korsunsky)

The work “Stromata” is the third part of the “Great Trilogy” of Clement of Alexandria, which indicates the paths of true Christian life and piety. “Stromata” means “carpets”, “patterns” - these were the names of collections of individual thoughts that were not brought into a coherent system by the author. The work consists of eight books, of which the last is obtained only in fragments and sketches. This is the largest work by Clement of Alexandria, written in 198–215. The first book (29 chapters) deals primarily with the meaning of philosophy and its importance for Christian Science. Philosophy should not be rejected because it is useful for understanding and defending Christian teaching. The Mosaic Law and Greek philosophy serve as preparatory steps to Christianity. The second book (23 chapters) shows the greatness of Christian truth in comparison with all the acquisitions of the human mind. The Christian science of faith leads to perfect knowledge and contemplation of God through repentance, moral purification and love of God. In the third (18 chapters) and fourth (26 chapters) books, Clement reveals from the practical side the difference between church gnosis and heretical gnosis. It is expressed in the observance of bodily purity in marriage, celibacy and in love for God, sealed by the feat of martyrdom. In the fifth book (14 chapters) Clement returns to the issue of faith and knowledge. To comprehend God, it is necessary to renounce the world and worldly things, but even under this condition, God cannot be comprehended by the limited human mind, therefore, knowing Him is a gift emanating from Him. In the sixth book (18 chapters) Clement comes to the conclusion that philosophers were familiar with religious truth and that a Gnostic can also use philosophy. At the end of chapter 6 he portrays the true Gnostic in his life as the embodiment of the Christian moral ideal. The seventh book (18 chapters) proves that only a Christian Gnostic is a true worshiper of God. He knows God and in his dispassion he tries with all his might to become like Him and His Son. According to ancient evidence, Clement of Alexandria also wrote the eighth book (9 chapters). But, according to pathological studies, it has not survived to this day. *The title of the work in Greek is Στρωματεῖς. *The title of the work in Latin is Stromata. See also another translation: Stromata E.V. Afonasina The work of the church teacher Clement of Alexandria from the original text, translation with notes by N. Korsunsky 1 Στρῶμα, everything that is spread out to rest on, lie on, sit on - mat, bed, floor, carpet. In Theognis, Art. 1193, this is the name given to mattresses, blankets and bedding in general, as well as tablecloths, but also saddle blankets or blankets for horses. Since covers and covers of this kind were usually distinguished by their variegation, works of mixed content were also called by the same word per metaphoram.