Collected works

Collected works of St. John Chrysostom in 12 volumes. I. Admonitions to Theodore the Fallen. FIRST ADSUREMENT. Grief over the fall of a friend's soul. There is no need to despair of the possibility of an uprising. – Hope is like a chain that binds us to heaven. – Examples of the rebellion of fallen sinners. - Nebuchadnezzar. - Ahab. - Manasseh. - Ninevites. - Good robber. – Repentance as an all-purifying force. – The demon’s efforts to plunge us into despair. - Every repentance finds its reward. - The joys of heaven. - The torment of hell. – Theodore’s soul, aching with love for Hermione. - Curability of the disease. - The ease of repentance. – An example of young Phoenix. - An example of an elderly monk. - Trust in God's mercy. SECOND ADSUMPTION. Return of Theodore and response to it. – It is impermissible for a person who has dedicated himself to serving God to take care of family affairs. - Flight from the army of Christ. – The need to atone for sin. - The weakness of human nature. - Fall and rebellion. - Example of David. - The vanity of the goods of this world. – Disadvantages associated with kingdom, fame, wealth and marriage. – Marriage, with all its sacredness, is adultery in Theodore’s case. - Concerns of family life. – Freedom for followers of Christ. – The only misfortune for a Christian is to offend God. - Conclusion. II. To those who are at enmity with those who attract to monastic life. WORD ONE. Punishment for those who resist God. An example in the person of the peoples who prevented the restoration of the church after the Babylonian captivity. – It’s the same with opponents of monasticism. - Details of the persecution of monks. - Regret for the foolishness of the persecutors. “They harm themselves more than the persecuted.” – Example ap. Paul and Nero. - The sinfulness of persecution. – Comparison of the persecutors of monasticism with the persecutors of the apostles. - The punishment that befell them. – Testimony of I. Flavius. – Faith alone is not enough for salvation; good deeds are also necessary. – The number of those subject to condemnation. – An example from the history of the Flood. - The perversity of the world. WORD TWO: To the unbelieving father. The truly rich is the one who despises everything. “We are glorified more by virtue than by wealth.” “No one is inclined to harm someone who has left everything, and no one could if they wanted to.” - He who neglects everything earthly finds comfort in hardships more easily. – Christians especially thrive when they are oppressed. - Short-term pleasures. - The story of a hermit whose father was a pagan. WORD THREE: To the believing father. It is necessary to care about the salvation of your neighbor. – Neglect of children is evil. – The laws on raising children are given by God. – Virtue depends on internal disposition. – Various degrees of salvation. - Corruption of morals. - The need for strict philosophy. – The need for laws and punishments in the state. – The life of monks is likened to that of angels. - The evil of wickedness combined with eloquence. – The words of Socrates in Plato at the beginning of his apology. “The holy men succeeded without any eloquence. – The story of a young man mentored by a monk. – The superiority of monastic life over worldly life. The rules are the same for monks and laypeople. – It is more difficult for the laity to be saved. – The true father is the one who cares about the salvation of his son. – The one who distributes money is a truer owner of it than the one who accumulates it. – The need to learn to practice virtue from a young age. – The benefits of young men’s temporary stay in a monastery. – The story of Anna and Samuel. - An admonition to parents about raising their sons in piety. III. Comparison of power, wealth and royal advantages with the true and Christian wisdom of monastic life. WORD FIRST - to Demetrius the monk. Reason for writing the word. – The need for contrition due to the dominance of sinfulness on earth. - Unfounded apologies from sinners. - Punishment of those who slander. – The duty of a Christian is to love his enemies and do good to them. – Interpretation of the petition “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” – Explanation of the word “don’t give holy things to dogs.” The desire for true good. – The wonderful power of this desire. - Ap. Paul as a model of contrition and love for God. WORD TWO – to Stelekhios. Contrition inspires the soul. —Description of a soul lifted to heaven on wings of contrition. - Explanation of the words of the ap. Paul: “The world is crucified to me and I to the world.” - Extraordinary love. Paul to Jesus Christ. – David’s love for Christ and his contrition. – Reasoning on Psalm 6. – The goodness and providence of God for people, as a strong incentive to contrition. – The universe and man are like its king. V. To Stagirius the Ascetic Possessed by a Demon WORD ONE. The terrible ordeal that befell Stagirius, and the desire to console him, at least in writing. – Allowing us trials and benefiting both them and the fall itself. – Examples – Adam in paradise, Cain, Noah during the flood, Abraham and Joseph. – Testing is one of the means by which the Lord increases our merits and brings our mind into submission to the divine. - The reason why God allows the prosperity of the wicked and the grief of the good. – The inscrutability of God’s ways. – Eternity as a righteous reward for the good and the evil. – The duty of a true Christian is to be submissive to God’s Providence. – An admonition to Stagiria to strengthen his conviction. WORD TWO. An exhortation to free yourself from depressing thoughts of suicide. – Such thoughts do not always come from a demon, but sometimes from one’s own despondency. “We need to disperse this despondency, and the best way to do this is to rise above the opinions of the crowd and think that there is only one sin to be ashamed of.” – Rewards are in store for the future, the present is a time of labor. – This is shown by the examples of saints. - The example of Abraham. - About the sacrifice of Isaac. - Sons of Oedipus. - Jacob's grief. – An example from the life of Joseph. WORD THREE. Example of Moses. - Moses' grief in the desert. - The Sorrows of Joshua. – Explanation of the subject using the example of Samuel. - David's grief. – Daniel’s grief. – The tribulations of Elijah and Elisha. - Upset's chagrin. Pavel. - The disasters to which the friends of Stagirius were exposed. - Demophilus and Aristomenes. – A spectacle of human misery in hospitals and prisons. – God tests us to atone for our sins and is more lenient towards us than we ourselves. VI. A word to those who lived with virgins. VII. A word to virgins who lived with men. WORD ONE. The grief of the young widow Thirasia and her consolation. – God cares for widows. – The dignity of widowhood is revered among Christians and pagans. – The joy of hope and confidence that we will see those we loved again. – The short duration of earthly life, the disasters that accompany it and the fragility of happiness. - Proof of this last point. – An example of two widows of rich and high-ranking people who, after the death of their husbands, fell into extreme poverty. - An example of nine emperors who reigned in Constantinople, of whom seven died from violent death. – An image of the glory and bliss that Thirasius enjoys in heaven. WORD TWO about abstinence from a second marriage. An exposition and refutation of three reasons that usually force widows to remarry, namely, hopes for a better state, attachment to the world and the weakness of the flesh. – The purpose of the word is not to condemn the second marriage allowed by the apostle. Paul and legitimized by the Church. A widow entering into a second marriage discovers weakness and sensuality in herself, shows attachment to the land and shows how dear the memory of her first husband is to her. “She cannot love her second husband as she loved her first, and this new union turns her parents, her servants, and especially the children from her first husband against her. “Therefore, in order to discourage widows from remarrying, legislators found it necessary to deprive the second marriage of any solemnity, thereby showing that they allow it only with regret. Praise be given to widowhood, which approaches virginity, for to such widowhood belongs the same glory and reward as virginity. 1. The first word. John Chrysostom's best childhood friend is Vasily. “They never parted with each other.” - The intention of both of them to accept monasticism. - The mother’s tears and requests rejected John from fulfilling this intention. – The ascetic life of friends. - Rumor of an intention to ordain both of them to the rank of bishop. – Chrysostom’s deviation and the election of Vasily. – Vasily’s complaints and John’s justifications. The moral significance of cunning depends on the intention. - It is useful both in peace and in war. – Both doctors of the body and doctors of the soul resort to it. – Healing the sick in this way. - The ap also uses it. Paul to win the Jews to Jesus Christ. 2. Second word. The priesthood is the highest proof of love that can be given in relation to Jesus Christ. – Benefits of the priesthood. – The blood of Jesus Christ is the price of souls. – The love of Jesus Christ for His church. – The duties of the priesthood are more important than any other position. - There are few worthy for him. – Responsibility of the priest. – Enemies of the flock of Christ. – Healing souls is more difficult than healing sheep. – The difficulty of understanding the very cause of pain in souls. “There is no other way than persuasion.” – The priesthood requires an excellent soul. - How much prudence is necessary for a priest? – The priesthood is a position filled with difficulties and dangers. – The need to fully know the candidate for the priesthood. – Excellent qualities of philanthropy. – Praise to Vasily. - His philanthropy. – Why Chrysostom refused the bishopric. “His refusal not only will not harm the voters, but will save them from the criticism to which they would otherwise be subjected.” 3. The third word. Chrysostom continues his justification. “His refusal did not come from pride. – To accuse others of disrespect for the priesthood is to reveal one’s low opinion of it. “His refusal was not out of vanity. – Love of glory, on the contrary, should have prompted him to accept the bishopric. – The priesthood has a heavenly character. – The majestic setting of the Old Testament priesthood and the excellence of the New Testament priesthood. – The greatness of Christian sacrament. – The priest is stronger than the angels. - Sources of his power. – The Old Testament priests only gave evidence of the healing of leprosy of the body, but the New Testament priests healed the leprosy of the soul. – If our parents give us physical life, then the priests give us spiritual life, and they can give it to us, even when we have lost it. - Baptism. - Repentance. - Even ap. Paul trembled as he reflected on the height of his ministry. – The same thing frightened Chrysostom. – A clear consciousness of the height of the priesthood on the one hand and the consciousness of his weakness are the motivations that forced him to abandon the episcopate. - Other motives, such as those involving the dangers and difficulties associated with priestly service. – Elimination of vanity with all the passions that accompany it. – The more exalted the priesthood, the more disgusting its abuse. – You can desire the priesthood, but not the exaltation and power associated with the priesthood. – The priest must be master over himself: the sad consequences of anger. – The errors of the priests quickly become known to everyone and the resulting temptation. – Examples of unsuccessful elections. - Management of widows, care of virgins, church proceedings, difficulties associated with them. – Excommunication and the prudence it requires. 4. Word four. Vasily’s objections are that everything said by his friend applies to those who themselves seek the priesthood, and not to those who are attracted to it against their will. - Refutation of this objection. – Examples of Saul, Elijah, Aaron and Moses. – Judas was called to the apostleship. – Those who ordain unworthy persons are subject to the same punishment as them. – It is necessary to ordain with extreme caution. - About church service. – The gift of speech as a necessary accessory for a priest. – Without the gift of speech, neither a good example nor even the gift of miracles is enough. – The word is the only weapon with which one can repel the enemies of the Church. – Comparison of the Church with a strong fortress. – The main enemies with which the Church has to deal: Jews, pagans, Manichaeans, Valentinians, Marcionites, Sabellians, Arians. – Enemies at home, stirring up idle and insoluble questions. – Vasily’s objections: didn’t the ap despise eloquence? Paul? - No, he condemned only the frivolous art of the rhetoricians of his time. – If any servant of Jesus Christ could do without the gift of speech, it would be the apostle. Paul, who had the gift of working miracles and an incomparable love for the Lord Jesus. - Eloquence ap. Paul - simple and strong, solely based on knowledge and enthusiasm. – A commendable review of his messages. – The need for a bishop to have learning in order to instruct others. – He must be able to defend the tenets of faith. 5. The fifth word. Continuation of the discussion about church eloquence. – Conversations intended for the people require more work. - It is difficult to satisfy the listeners, because they often come not to be edified, but to judge the preacher. – In order to successfully overcome this difficulty and master the listeners, two things are needed: disdain for praise and the power of words. – Disregard for praise has no meaning without the power of words, and vice versa. – To the disdain for praise, one must also add contempt for envy. – It is not enough to acquire the gift of speech, you also need to preserve it through work and exercise, because eloquence is a gift of study even more than of nature. – The higher the preacher’s gift of speech, the more he must work on it. - The machinations of the great preacher from his envious enemies. – There are few people who are able to thoroughly judge conversations. – Strong in the consciousness of his gift, a preacher can rise above the judgments of the crowd. – Even more confidence can be given to him by striving for the main goal - to please God. – Disdain for praise is no less necessary for those who do not have the gift of eloquence. 6. Word six. The priest's responsibility for the sins of the flock entrusted to him. – Prudence and caution with which you need to live in order to protect yourself from contamination by the affairs of this world and preserve the beauty of the soul. - Zeal, thoroughness and vigilance in the performance of sacred services. – Priests are God’s messengers not only to the city, but to the whole earth. “They were appointed to pray and intercede for the forgiveness of the sins of people, and not only the living, but also the dead. – Having called on the Holy Spirit, they reverently offer a great sacrifice, which must be approached with fear and trembling. – They carry in their hands the Lord and Lord of all people. - The need for them is the most careful prudence, so as not to offend any of their neighbors, to adapt to everyone, without resorting to cunning, pretense and flattery, but rather acting with great boldness and freedom, and alternately, depending on the circumstances, you can use severity or gentleness. – No matter how great the work of the monks and no matter how difficult the battle they wage, in any case the service of a bishop is more difficult than a hermit. – It is easier to practice virtue in the desert than when performing church affairs, since these affairs expose the bishop to many accidents and easily reveal vices and shortcomings in him that would not be revealed in the desert. – Repeating the advice not to ignore popular rumors, even if they are false. “It’s not hard to save yourself.” – A priest is subject to a more terrible punishment than ordinary believers. – The state that a person must experience when they want to elevate him to the sacred rank. “There is no more terrible battle than the one that the devil raises against us in such cases.” 7. Conversation on ordination to the priesthood. Thoughts and feelings on the occasion of elevation to the high rank of priesthood. Lack of confidence in your abilities. – The whole universe praises God, with the exception of sinners. – But even a sinner can find a way to glorify. - Praise to Flavian, Bishop of Antioch. - The nobility of his origin and the greatness of his asceticism. - Memories of Meletius, Bishop of Antioch. – Request for prayer for the new presbyter. 8. First word. Praise to Flavian. The greatness of his philanthropy. - The meaning of the saying “if reason is destroyed.” – Refutation of the Anomeans. “The preacher intends to admonish, not beat, his opponents.” – God is incomprehensible not only in His essence, but also in His providence; not only in His industry, insofar as it controls the entire creation, but also insofar as it controls the destinies of one people, for example, the Jewish people. - Exhortation. 9. Second word. In reasoning about divine objects one must be guided not by reason, but by faith. – The Anomeans claim to know God as He knows Himself. – To explore His essence with excessive curiosity means to insult Him. – The need for moderation in reasoning with heretics. 10. Word three. Praising God is more useful to man than to God. – God is incomprehensible to angels. - Man cannot even penetrate the being of angels. – The supreme powers cannot comprehend God even with His condescension. - A reproach to the Antiochians for leaving the church immediately after the conversation. – The effectiveness of public prayer. 11. Word four. About the incomprehensibility of the nature of God. – Brief repetition of previous conversations. – The angels learned about some secrets only with us and through us. – They do not know the essence of God. - Praise to the Antiochians for the obedience with which they carried out the advice given to them. – A warning against pickpockets appearing in the church. 12. Word five. About the incomprehensibility of the nature of God. – The Son and the Holy Spirit know the Father fully. – Words: God and the Lord are equally characteristic of the Father and the Son. - Wisdom of the Ap. Paul in his instructions. – Not only the being of angels, but even the being of our soul is incomprehensible to us. – The objection of the Anomeans is that you cannot worship what you do not know. - Reply to this objection. - The power of prayer. – Boldness is produced by humility. 13. Word six. About Saint Philogony. - How much higher is the future life than the present? – St. Philogonius was first a lawyer. – Having been elected bishop, he devoted himself to the practice of all kinds of virtues. – Edification on the occasion of the approaching holiday of the Nativity of Christ. – True repentance, even short, can clear the conscience. - Method of performing repentance. 14. Word seventh. About the consubstantiality of the Son with the Father. – The need for a careful attitude to the word of God. – The Son is consubstantial with the Father. - Expressions of the Holy One The Scriptures, which seem to disparage the Son, find their explanation in the Incarnation. - Other motives for such sayings of St. Scriptures. – Two wills in Jesus Christ. - Exhortation to prayer. 15. Word eight. About justice and alms and about the request of the mother of the sons of Zebedee. - Reply to the objection of heretics. – The Son has the same authority as the Father. – Almsgiving is measured not by the amount of alms given, but by the purity of intention. - Praise to the ap. Paul, whose sayings are quoted by the preacher. – In what sense did Jesus Christ say “to carry My data?” “The one who strives deserves a reward.” 16. Word nine. About the four-day Lazarus. – Jesus Christ knew where Lazarus was. – You shouldn’t be too gullible. – Why did Jesus Christ pray before the resurrection of Lazarus? – Not out of necessity, but because of the people present there and in response to Martha’s request. 17. Word tenth. Introduction. – The difference between monetary debt and spiritual debt. – Jesus Christ is consubstantial with the Father. – He accepted humiliation in order to condescend to our weakness and to instruct us not only with words, but also with example. – He is characterized by the same omnipotence as the Father. - Proof taken from the healing of a man born blind. – How imperfect the law is. – The Son is equal to the Father. Evidence from St. Scriptures. – All hostility must be avoided. - An exhortation for reconciliation with enemies. 18. Word eleventh. About the incomprehensibility of the being of God. – When it comes to the truths of faith, one should be based mainly on the Holy Scriptures. Scripture. – The deity of Jesus Christ, proven on the basis of the first chapter of the book of Genesis. – Agreement between the Old and New Testaments. – It is the duty of Christians to be present at meetings of believers and to take their children there. “The benefits of attending these meetings in churches are twofold. 19. Word twelfth. About the paralytic, who was in paralysis for thirty-eight years, and to the words “My Father is working hitherto, and I am working” (John 5:17). – Comparison of a preacher with a tiller. – Why did Jesus Christ appear to the Jews on holidays? – Healing the paralytic. – Why does Jesus Christ ask the sick person? - Praise for the paralytic. – Why does Jesus Christ command him to pick up and carry the bed. – Jesus Christ is equal in omnipotence to the Father. – An exhortation to attend church meetings. XIII. Reasoning against Jews and pagans that Jesus Christ is the true God. 21. First word. Interrupting his conversations against the Anomeans about the incomprehensibility of the being of God, the preacher proceeds to denounce the Judaizers. – Christians should not take part in Jewish holidays, because: 1) Jews are pitiful people who do everything at the wrong time. “They did not fast when they should have fasted, and they are fasting now when they should not have fasted: that is why they were rejected and Christians appeared in their place. – 2) Their synagogue is no better than a theater, a place of debauchery and a den of robbers; it is the abode of demons, while the church is the house of God. - Possession of the Holy. Scripture does not make the synagogue venerable and cannot serve as an excuse for those who visit it, for: 1) the Jews insult the Holy One. Scripture, claiming that it says nothing about Jesus Christ; 2) they use it only to deceive the weak; 3) not only the synagogue, but also the very soul of the Jews is the abode of demons. – God rejected their sacrifices, their holidays and the temple itself, delivering it into the hands of the pagans. – The desire to receive healing from any illness cannot serve as a justification for visiting the synagogue, because: 1) the demons living in it cannot heal; 2) even if they could, they should not destroy the soul for the sake of healing the body. – We must use all means to turn our brothers away from Judaizing, especially since by not doing this, we participate in their crime and will be subject to the same punishment as them. 22. Second word. Against those who support the Jewish fast, and against the Jews themselves. – One should not observe the Jewish fast, because: 1) those who serve the Old Law in at least one respect are deprived of the grace of Christ; 2) those who observe the law in one respect thereby undertake to observe it in its entirety under pain of damnation. – The law is a good thing, but under the condition that it leads to Jesus Christ. – He is evil for those whom he does not lead to Him, therefore, for those who Judaize. – God is more jealous of the honor of believers than of his own glory; mutually, believers should be zealous for the honor of God and allow their wives to attend synagogues. 23. Word three. To those who still fast on Easter. – One should not participate in the observance of the fast that the Jews observe before their Passover, because this can cause schism and disagreement, and difference of opinion is the worst of evils: this is the teaching of Paul and the fathers of the Council of Nicaea. - God, by destroying the city in which only it was possible to legally celebrate the Jewish Passover, amply showed that He rejected all Jewish holidays and freed us from the obligation to observe the days established by the law. – Among the Jews themselves, the observance of the place should be higher and of more importance than the observance of the times, because the observance of the times is often completely impossible. 24. Word four. Against the Jews, on the trumpets of their Passover. Said in Antioch, in the great church. – In order to judge whether an action is good or bad, one must take into account not so much its essence as the will of God. - Meanwhile, the Jewish fast goes against the will of God. - All sacred rites must actually be performed in Jerusalem, and not in any other place, as the law itself and the example of the holy righteous prove. – By destroying Jerusalem, God clearly showed that He was no longer pleased with the worship of the Jews. 25. Word five. Praise for the diligence of the listeners. – The Jewish Church will not be restored. - This is proven: 1) by the prediction of Jesus Christ, which will undoubtedly have force, since other predictions of the Son of God have already been fulfilled; 2) on the basis of the prophets: the same prophets who predicted the beginning and end of the first three captivities not only did not indicate the end for the fourth, their current captivity, but directly predicted that it would not end; 3) the futility of the efforts that the Jews used to restore their church; 4) on the basis of prophecies that foreshadowed that New Testament worship would spread throughout the entire earth. – An admonition to Christians to withdraw from Jewish holidays. 26. Word six. Previous long conversation as the cause of the preacher's throat disease. - Thirst for denunciation of the Jews. – Brief summary of the previous conversation. – To what can the Jews attribute their current disaster? – It cannot be attributed either to the gravity of sins or to the power of people. “Despite their efforts to keep the law, they are now more miserable than ever, and this is because they crucified the Lord Jesus.” - Confirmation of this on the basis of the prophets. – From their misfortunes the deity of Jesus Christ is revealed, because if He were a deceiver, then, despite all their sins, God would have spared them for the sake of His Name, so as not to give grounds for the glorification of His enemy. “Besides their city and their church, the Jews have lost all their advantages; they no longer have the priesthood. -What are their current priests in comparison with the ancient priests? — An account of the rites of initiation and other circumstances which gave a venerable character to the priesthood in antiquity. – Reproof of Christians who attend synagogues. “Their behavior is reprehensible and inexcusable in no way.” - An exhortation to the more prudent to turn their fellows away from these absurd, as well as criminal, superstitions. 27. Word seventh. If the Jewish church, as proven above, is completely destroyed, then as a result of this the Jews can no longer have sacrifices or the priesthood. – These institutions, as proven by St. Scripture and especially St. Paul, are canceled due to their imperfection by the sacrifice of God incarnate, and they will not be restored. – In place of the priesthood according to the order of Aaron, the priesthood according to the order of Melchizedek appeared, and the ancient law was replaced by a new one in accordance with the new priesthood. 28. Word eight. It is not enough just to warn your fellow men before they sin; we still need to take care of them even after they have fallen into sin. - This is how God acted in relation to Adam and Cain, ap. Paul in relation to the fornicator, the Samaritan to the one wounded by robbers. – We should not publicize the misdeeds of our brothers, but should try to heal those who sin and keep them from Judaizing, instilling in them especially how absurd it is to resort to demons to improve their health. – A Christian should suffer rather than sin, following the example of Job, the paralytic and Lazarus. – These sufferings are sent from God to correct us, and the son should not complain about his father when he corrects him. – Moreover, patience in suffering brings good fruits; on earth it gains praise and inclines God to heal borne illnesses, and in heaven it prepares to receive the crown of martyrdom. 31. First word. Praise to the listeners for not indulging in New Year's madness and making the New Year a day of spiritual joy. “Many, however, went from the church to the tavern, mocking the admonitions. - Reproaching them. – Their bullying does not prevent them from speaking the truth and rebelling against outrages. - The course of action of Jesus Christ in relation to Judas, whom He did not cease to warn and endow with benefits in order to remind him of his duties. The same should be done in general towards sinners. – A different fate is destined in the future life for those who live in pampering and pleasure, and for those who spend their lives in poverty and suffering. – Example of Lazarus and the heartless rich man. – A Christian’s meal should be accompanied by prayer and reading the Holy Scriptures. Scriptures. – You need to eat and drink in moderation. 32. Second word. Continuation of the story of Lazarus and the heartless rich man. – A refutation of the popular belief passed down from the pagans that people who die a violent death become demons. – If Jesus Christ calls the Jews sons of the devil, it is because they imitated the works of the devil. – Through their sins, and not through violent death, people can become like a demon. – A touching description of the death of poor Lazarus and the death of the heartless rich man. – The cruelty of the rich man in comparison with the philanthropy of Abraham. - The law of alms. “If a poor person needs bread, then you need to give it to him, even if he is a worthless person.” 33. Word three. Why is it said to the rich man not “thou hast received thy goodness in thy belly,” but “thou hast received”? – Why are the righteous often exposed to dangers, while sinners avoid them? – All Christians need to read St. Scripture, not only spiritual, but also secular. – The latter need this reading even more, because they are more subject to temptation. Priest the books are so excellent that they are always useful even to those who understand them only a little. – What remained incomprehensible on the first reading will become clear on the second. - Ignorance of the Holy. The Scriptures are the source of heresies. – God does not leave any good without reward, even that committed by evil people, just as He does not leave any sin without punishment, even in good people, and even in them especially. “There is nothing more dangerous than the position of the wicked who prospers.” - Praise for patience. – Impatience is the mother of blasphemy. – Why doesn’t God punish everyone in this world? – Examples of patience borrowed from the Old Testament. 34. Word four. Proposed explanation of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. – The Gospel examples and especially the example of the rich man show that all the prayers of those who have left here with aggravated sins will be useless. – The parable in question is an excellent lesson for rich and poor; it can equally humble the former and humiliate the latter, make us love poverty and despise wealth. - Priest Scripture and reason sufficiently convince us of the existence of an afterlife; there is no need for the dead to return to us to assure us of this. – The power and significance of conscience, which reminds us of our old sins. - This is confirmed by the account of the story of Joseph. 35. Word five. Discourse on the Resurrection. – Explanation of the words of the ap. Paul about the future resurrection 1 Thess. 4:12. – Consolation to believers in grief due to the death of persons dear to them. – They must differ from the infidels in their behavior, just as they differ from them in their beliefs. – When someone dear and close to you dies, you don’t need to indulge in grief, but you need to be like the law in this regard. To Job and Abraham, who both showed generosity and courage: the first did not lose heart when deprived of all his children, and the second did not even hesitate to sacrifice his only heir - his son. 36. Word six. The manifestation of the omnipotence and goodness of God in an earthquake is terrible. “But the day of the final judgment will be even worse.” “You need to be afraid not of an earthquake, but of the cause that produces it.” – We need to feel sorry not for those who are upset, but for those who sin. – Return to the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. – Comparison of everyday events with performances on the theater stage. - In the future life, everyone will appear as he really is. – Nobility does not consist in the celebrity of one’s ancestors, but in virtue. - Origin of slavery. - World Flood. – Comparison of the ark with the Church. – Drinking wine to heal grief. -What is true slavery? – What is true wealth? – Various degrees of righteous and sinners, but no one is without sin. – Good and evil receive their due reward. 37. Word seventh. Distress at the sight of the fact that many of the listeners, despite the exhortations of the preacher, visit the lists. – Despite the severity of their guilt, let them not despair of the opportunity to atone for their sin through repentance. – The heartless rich man is an example of those who follow the broad path in life: Lazarus is an example of those who follow the narrow path. – There is a great difference in the goal to which each of them came along his own path. – What are the true blessings? – Those who are in poverty and grief should not consider themselves unhappy. – The abyss separating Lazarus and the heartless rich man in the afterlife. - Conclusion. Conversations to the Antiochian people about statues. Conversations about the powerlessness of the devil. Praiseful discourses on the feasts of our Lord Jesus Christ and His saints. Conversation on the day of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Conversation about the Baptism of the Lord and the Epiphany. Against the drunkards and about the resurrection. XIV. Conversations about St. Apostle Paul. XV. A commendable conversation about our holy father Meletios. XVI. A laudable discourse on the holy martyr Lucian. XVII. Oh St. Hieromartyr Babyla. XVIII. The Word about Blessed Babylon and against Julian. XIX. Laudatory conversation about St. martyrs Iuventina and Maximina. XX. Laudatory conversation about St. Martyr Pelagia, who suffered in Antioch. XXI. Praise to St. Martyr Ignatius the God-Bearer. XXII. Praise to St. to our father Eustathius, Archbishop of Antioch the Great. XXIII. Laudatory words about St. Martyr Roman. XXIV. Conversations about the Saints Maccabees. XXV. Laudatory conversation about St. martyrs Vernike, Prosdok and Domnina. XXVI. A word about the four-day Lazarus. XXVII. A conversation about martyrs, as well as contrition and almsgiving. XXVIII. The conversation is about how it is dangerous to speak to people with obsequiousness. XXIX. Conversation about martyrs. XXX. A word of praise about St. Martyr Julian. XXXI. Praise to St. Martyr Varlaam. XXXII. Praise to St. Great Martyr Drosida and the remembrance of death. XXXIII. Praise to the Egyptian martyrs. XXXIV. Conversation about St. Hieromartyr Phocas and against heretics. XXXV. Praise to all the saints who have suffered throughout the world. XXXVI. Conversation after the earthquake. XXXVII. About the betrayal of Judas. Creations of St. John Chrysostom, classified in Min's edition in the Dubia department, i.e. Those who raise doubts about their belonging to the saint: XXXIX. A word about the ap. Peter and the prophet Elijah. XLI. Praise to St. First Martyr and Equal-to-the-Apostles Thekla. XLII. Six words about fate and providence. XLIV. Creations classified in Min's edition as Spuria, i.e. counterfeit: 1. A conversation about the prophecy of Zechariah and the conception of Elizabeth. 2. Praise for the conception of St. John the Prophet Baptist and Baptist. 3. On the Annunciation of our glorious Lady Theotokos. 4. Conversation on the words “The commandment came from Caesar Augustus” and on the inclusion of the Holy Mother of God in the census. 5. About Saint John the Baptist. 6. On the feast of St. Epiphanies. 7. A word about the Meeting of our Lord Jesus Christ, and about the Mother of God, and about Simeon. 8. On Holy and Great Friday. 9. About the Honest and Life-Giving Cross and about the crime of the first people. 10. On the three-day Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. XLV. Creations attributed in Min's edition to Spuria and placed in the first volume of it: 1. A conversation about how an ascetic should not indulge in playfulness and amusement. 2. A word about fasting and almsgiving. 3. Theodore the Fallen written response to our holy father and ecumenical teacher John Chrysostom. 4. The seventh word about the priesthood. 5. The word that the student should be meek. 6. Conversation about what should be avoided in a feigned and untrue manner. 7. To Jews and Greeks and heretics. 8. A very useful word about faith, and about the law of nature, and about the Holy Spirit. 9. About the Holy and Consubstantial Trinity. 1. To the parable of the debtor of ten thousand talents, who exacted a hundred denarii (Matt. XVIII, 23-35), and that rancor is worse than any sin. 2. “My Father! if possible, let this cup pass from Me; however, not as I want, but as You want” (Matthew 26:39). 3. About life according to God and the words “Strait is the gate...”, etc. (Matthew 7:14) and an explanation of the prayer “Our Father” 4. About the paralytic, lowered through the roof; that he is not the same as the one spoken of in John; and about the equality of the Son with the Father. 5. About those who did not come to the church meeting; that the inscriptions of divine scriptures should not be ignored; about the inscription on the altar and about the newly enlightened. 6. In a meeting that took place some time later in the ancient church, about the inscription of the Acts of the Apostles, and about the fact that a virtuous life is more useful than signs and wonders, and how activity differs from signs. 7. That reading the Holy Scriptures is useful and that it makes the attentive inaccessible to slavery and constraining circumstances, also that the name of the apostles is the name of many virtues and that the apostles received power and authority much greater than external rulers and the kings themselves, and finally to the newly enlightened. 8. About the fact that it is not safe for listeners to remain silent about what was said in church, and why the Acts are read at Pentecost, and why Christ did not appear to everyone after the resurrection, and that He presented evidence of the resurrection through the signs of the apostles more clearly than sight. 9. After reading the passage: Saul, still breathing threats and murder (Acts 9:1), when everyone expected that the conversation at the beginning of the 9th chapter would be said. Acts - that Paul's calling is proof of the resurrection. 10. To those who grumbled about the length of the teachings and to those who were dissatisfied with their brevity; about the name of Saul and Paul and about why the first man was called Adam - that it was useful and beneficial - and to the newly enlightened. 11. To those who reproached for the extensiveness of the introductions, and that it is useful to endure reproaches; also, why Paul did not change his name immediately as soon as he believed - that this change happened to him not under compulsion, but according to his free will; and to the words “Saul, Saul! Why are you persecuting Me? (Acts 9:4). 12. Containing reproach for those who were not in the church and an admonition to those who were to take care of the brethren; also at the beginning of the letter to the Corinthians: “Paul is called” (1 Cor. 1:1) and about humility. 13. In response to the words of the Apostle, “And not only this, but we glory in our tribulations, knowing that through tribulation comes patience,” etc. (Rom. 5:3). 14. On the words of the Apostle “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God” (Rom. 8:28), about patience and how much benefit there is from tribulations. 15. Against those who did not come to the meeting and in response to the words of the apostle “If your enemy is hungry, feed him” (Rom. 12:20), and about rancor. 16. To the words “Hail Priscilla and Aquila” and so on. (Rom.16:3). 17. About Aquila and Priscilla and that one should not speak ill of the priests of God. 18. In response to the words of the apostle, “but to avoid fornication, each one should have his own wife” (1 Cor. 7:2). 19. To the words “a wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; if her husband dies, she is free to marry whomever she wants, only in the Lord. But she is happier if she remains like this” (1 Cor. 7:39–40). 20. To Maxim, and about what kind of wives one should take. 21. In response to the words of the apostle “I do not want to leave you, brethren, ignorant, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea” (1 Cor. 10:1). 22. In response to the words of the apostle “For there must also be differences of opinion among you, so that those who are skillful may be revealed among you” (1 Cor. 11:19). 23. About alms, pronounced after he (St. Chrysostom) passed in winter and saw the poor and beggars in the square, lying without care. 24. To the words of the apostle “Having the same spirit of faith, as it is written” (2 Cor. 4:13), and to the words “I believed, and therefore spoke” (Ps. 115:1), and about alms. 25. On the words of the Apostle “but having the same spirit of faith, as it is written” (2 Cor. 4:13) and against the Manichaeans and everyone who condemns the Old Testament and separates it from the new, and about alms. 26. Also on the same words “having the same spirit of faith, as it is written” (2 Cor. 4:13), and why everyone generally enjoys benefits, and about almsgiving. 27. To the words of the apostle “Oh, if only you were somewhat lenient towards my folly!” (2 Cor. 11:1). 28. Against those who abuse the apostolic saying “however they preach Christ, feignedly or sincerely” (Phil. 1:18), and about humility. 29. To the words “A widow should be chosen no less than one who is sixty years old” (1 Tim. 5:9), both about raising children and about almsgiving. 30. About Elijah and the widow, and also about alms. 31. About the enjoyment of future benefits and the insignificance of the present. 32. That we should not disclose the sins of our brothers and pray for harm to our enemies. 33. That no one should despair, nor pray for harm to enemies, nor lose heart when they do not receive what they ask for; also to husbands about maintaining peace with their wives. 34. What was said in the old church in response to the words of the apostle, “When Peter came to Antioch, I personally opposed him” (Gal. 2:11), and (in it the saint) proves that this event was not a strife, but a matter of stewardship. 35. On Eutropius eunuch, patrician and consul. 36. When Eutropius, found outside the church, was captured about the gardens and the scriptures, and at the words “the queen stood at Your right hand” (Psalm 44:10). 37. When Saturninus and Aurelian were sent into exile and Gaina left the city, and about the love of money. 38. About the return of St. John from Asia to Constantinople. 39. On the acceptance of Severian. 40. Pronounced by the bishop. Severian, when he was received by Blessed John, Bishop of Constantinople. 41. Before going into exile. 42. Upon returning from exile. 43. When I went into exile. 44. Upon returning from the first exile (exists only in Latin translation). 45. Upon returning from the first exile (second). 46. ​​About the Canaanite wife, said upon the return (of the saint) from exile. 47. About the fact that whoever does not harm himself, no one can harm him. 48. To those who are tempted by the misfortunes that have happened, as well as by the persecution and disaster of the people and many priests, and by the incomprehensible, and against the Jews. Preface. Place and time of their utterance; the biblical Greek text in these conversations and its importance; the need to compare it with the text of other Greek copies of the Bible and some aids for this. Conversation 1. Chrysostom's joy at the sight of the multitude gathered in the church of God before the offensive of St. Pentecostals. The purpose of church meetings and the need to prepare for fasting. The great harm of intemperance from the days of the first man and the beneficial effects of fasting experienced by the Old Testament righteous, and the example of the Savior. The effect of fasting on the human soul and the denunciation of luxury by the prophet. Amos. The transience of worldly pleasures and the immutability of spiritual ones. Conversation 2. Chrysostom’s joy at the onset of Lent, which represents the best time for church teachings from divine Scripture. The opening words of the first book of Moses must be accepted as the words of the Lord himself, not by testing what is above us, but by humbly believing. Moses does not talk about the creation of invisible powers and the reason for this. The great power of the words “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” against false teachers and the solution to the bewilderment about the creation of the universe from a non-existent. Why is the primeval earth called invisible and unsettled? A Christian must not only know and preserve the true teaching of the faith, but also organize his life in accordance with it. Conversation 3. Great is the richness and depth of divine Scripture. Explanation of the words “and darkness was on the top of the deep, and the Spirit of God was carried on the top of the water.” The creation of light and the madness of those who say that matter existed before heaven and earth. Why didn't God create everything in one day? Against those who say that everything happened by itself. A Christian must take care of the salvation not only of himself, but also of his neighbors and continuously fight in the full armor of faith against the wiles of the devil and his own passions, maintaining constant vigilance and giving alms. Conversation 4. The joy of St. the preacher at the sight of the zeal of his listeners and arousing him to constant spiritual wakefulness. Explanation of the words “Let there be a firmament in the midst... and let God call the firmament the heaven.” There is one sky, not many heavens. Words of the Holy One The Scriptures must be understood in a Godly manner and, ascending from the consideration of creation to the Creator, we must not forget human limitations. Moral instructions about daily self-examination, about love for those who love and hate, and about curbing passions. Conversation 5. Christians should, like gold miners, search the Holy Scriptures daily. Scripture and carefully preserve the acquired treasure of virtue, for which there will be a reward in the future life. Explaining the works of creation on the third day. A denunciation of the Jews who considered the evening to be the beginning of the day. The great harm of addiction to human glory. Conversation 6. Strong accusation of those present in the equestrian lists; the sinfulness of this and the threat of the irreparable. The creation of the heavenly bodies and the greatness of their Creator. The madness of those who idolized the sun. What does it mean “I have laid it in the firmament of heaven, for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and for years”? All creatures are created for man, who, using them or marveling at their beauty, must worship the Creator with his praise and good life. Conversation 7. Continuation of the exhortation to those who went to the spectacle; the grave responsibility of those Christians who, by their behavior, give rise to temptation to non-believers. An explanation of the work of creation on the fifth day and a denunciation of those who think wrong about the origin of the universe and the purpose of the creation of some creatures. The dumb creatures created on the sixth day and their divine approval. An exhortation to excite yourself to praise the Lord and lead others who are stuck in error to the truth. Conversation 8. Arousing the attention of listeners and explaining the biblical account of the creation of man; divine counsel before his creation and the origin of man after all other creatures. To whom was it said, “Let us make man”? What is meant by the image of God? Exhortation of listeners to teach others the truths taught, not only by word, but by an even more virtuous life. What does a godly fast consist of? Conversation 9. Fasting is the most convenient time to delve into the truths of divine Scripture. A brief repetition of previous conversations and a solution to the confusion regarding the power of man over animals. The likeness of God and the possibility for man to achieve this. As a result, a person is then deprived of some part of his power over animals and for what purpose? Revealed in the destinies of the primordial, as well as of each of the people, the wisdom and goodness of God and the beneficial influence of thinking about this on the moral life of man. Conversation 10. An admonition to those who are ashamed to come to evening worship and spiritual teaching after dinner and a continuation of the explanation of the words of Scripture about the creation of man, about the power given to him over earthly creatures, about the divine blessing of the first-created husband and wife, about the appointment of appropriate food for them and all living creatures and the divine approval of everything created. What do the words “and rest on the seventh day from all your works and bless... and sanctify it” mean? The listeners are instructed to convey the content of the conversation to those absent from the church and to constantly remember God themselves. Conversation 11. Reasonable order and purpose in natural phenomena, human affairs and church institutions: the expediency of the establishment of St. Pentecostals and the tasks of Christian life: advancement in virtue, eradication of passions and correction of shortcomings following the example of holy men who were of the same nature with us. Example app. Paul, his humility and greatest exploits according to his own image, forced by circumstances. Conversation 12. Chrysostom’s return to the temporarily interrupted explanation of the words of the book. Genesis about what followed the six-day creation. What does “the book of the existence of heaven and earth” mean? Divine omnipotence in the productivity of the primeval earth and its foundation on the waters. The submission of the earthly elements to the Lord and the need for man to obey the will of God if he does not want to become like senseless cattle. Creating a man's body from the dust of the earth and breathing into his face the breath of life. The superiority of the soul over the body and the lesson that follows from this. Conversation 13. Praise to the zeal of the listeners, which arouses the jealousy of the Chrysostomed preacher. The unspeakable love of God for man, expressed in the image of his creation. Against those who said that the human soul is from the being of God, or did not distinguish it from the life force of animals. Why was the human body created before the soul? The Edenic paradise was on Earth, and not in heaven, and the story of its planting must be understood in a godly manner, without going into allegory. A Christian must combine a virtuous life with pure dogmas. Conversation 14. Encouraging listeners to carefully consider the words of divine Scripture. Explanation of the words “and the Lord God took the man and put him in a paradise of sweetness to make and keep him.” The honor and purpose of giving the commandment not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. “It is not good for man to be alone; Let us make him a helper according to him.” Naming animals as a manifestation of the wisdom of the primordial and its dominance over animals. Conversation 15. Chrysostom’s gratitude to the listeners for their love for the word of God and the explanation of the words “Adam did not find a helper like him.” The creation of a wife from the rib of Adam during his frenzy and extraordinary sleep and the divine names used in Scripture. The prophetic gift of Adam and the greatness of divine benefits to him; hence the moral lesson to the listeners about gratitude to God through acts of virtue and the eradication of passions and weaknesses. Conversation 16. The inexhaustible wealth of Scripture and the bliss of the primordial. The malice and cunning of the devil, who chose the serpent as a weapon to tempt his wife. The seduction of a wife through the serpent and the violation of the divine commandment by the primordial ones. The primordial people had knowledge of good and evil even before they ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and this is the reason for the name of the tree. Benefits from the tree of the godfather. Conversation 17. God’s love for mankind towards the fallen ancestors and the awakening in them of the consciousness of the sin committed. The action of conscience in the soul of our first parents and the internal consequences of sin; direct divine judgment over the fallen husband and wife and condemnation of the serpent with the announcement of his complete defeat from the seed of the woman; punishment for the wife and husband, full of justice and care for the person. Conversation 18. In view of the fall of the primeval ones, encouraging listeners to be vigilant over themselves; actions of divine care for the condemned. A lesson given to us by the leather vestments of the primordial ones. Divine truth and mercy in the expulsion of the primeval ones from paradise and their settlement directly in paradise. The beginning of marriage and the origin of virginity. Eve's good thoughts at the birth of Cain and the sacrifice of the first sons of Adam. God's goodness to Cain after the rejection of his sacrifice and the resulting moral lesson. Conversation 19. Severe slavery to sin and human free will. Cain's incorrigibility and his terrible crime. The immeasurable goodness of God towards the fratricide and his unrepentance. Cain's divine punishment and later repentance. The threat of sevenfold punishment for the killer of Cain and hence the moral lesson. Conversation 20. Repetition of the main ideas of the previous conversation. The place of Cain's settlement and the genealogy of his descendants. The words of the Cainite Lamech to his wives and the repentance of sin expressed in them as prompted by conscience; moral lesson from this. The story of the birth of Seth and Enosh. A call to excel in virtue and especially to give alms. Conversation 21. It is necessary to delve deeply into Divine Scripture with all diligence, calling on the grace of the Holy Spirit. New genealogy of Adam through Seth, about the omission of another generation and the meaning of this. The good properties of Seth and the thoughts of Eve at his birth. The meaning of names given to children. The piety of Enoch and the lesson he gave to husbands and wives. Further genealogy of the Sethites and the prophecy of Lamech at the birth of Noah. An exhortation to care for the soul and its decoration. Conversation 22. Righteous Noah and the greatness of his virtues amid general wickedness. Human free will in choosing good and evil. The sons of God who killed the daughters of men are not Angels, but the descendants of Seth and Enos. The consequence of this confusion of the Sethites with the Cainites is a divine threat. The increase of wickedness, the divine verdict on the extermination of people along with animals and the salvation of Noah. An exhortation to virtue as the most precious of all and necessary for the future life. The death of vanity. Conversation 23. The firmness of righteous Noah, the great benefits contained in virtue. “Noah find grace before the Lord God”; praise from all people is not proof of virtue. Scripture strips the wicked of the name “man.” Noah's righteousness and godliness. The best method of genealogy. In the matter of virtue, after the highest grace, everything depends on the free will of man. Conversation 24. Everything in the Divine Scripture must be carefully examined. The long-term chastity of Noah and the corruption of the whole earth. The announcement of a divine verdict to Noah and the command to build an ark to save the righteous man and his entire family, along with pairs of various animals. The basis for distinguishing between clean and unclean animals and the purpose of this command. The purpose of the divine announcement of the day of the flood. Encouraging listeners to fulfill divine commandments. Conversation 25. God's love for mankind during the flood; shortening the time given for repentance facilitated the punishment of sinners. The forty-day increase of flood water and God's confinement of the ark from without. Noah's great faith and his return to his original power over animals. The destruction of everything living on earth except those in the ark. An exhortation to the exploits of virtue with hope in God and the endless blessings He has promised. Conversation 26. The goodness of God in punishing sinners and the resulting moral lesson. God's mercy towards Noah and those with him in the ark. Reduction of flood waters and Noah's confirmation of this. God's blessing to Noah as the ancestor of post-Flood humanity. The instruction is to imitate the virtues of Noah: his patience and gratitude to God. Conversation 27. The benefits of God to the human race and the benefits of remembering this. Noah's sacrifice and the reason for God's allowance of sacrifices and the establishment of circumcision. The high price of goodwill. The divine promise to Noah as the ancestor of humanity, and the commandment not to taste blood. An exhortation to correction, repentance and forgiveness of offenses. Conversation 28. The purpose of Chrysostom’s conversations. God's covenant with Noah and his sign. God's condescension towards sinners and favor towards the virtuous. Ham was the father of Canaan. The origin of post-Flood humanity from the three sons of Noah is a matter of special divine providence, as is the spread of Christianity. An exhortation to love God and to fix the eyes of faith on Him. Conversation 29. Scripture depicts not only the virtues, but also the sins of the righteous. Scripture provides medicine for all who suffer. What explains Noah's drunkenness? The compassion of the righteous for their neighbors. It is not the wine that is to blame, but the abuse of it. The shamelessness of Ham and the respect of the other sons is worthy of imitation. Why is the son cursed for the sin of the father? The beginning of slavery. Prophetic blessing to Shem and Japheth. Conversation 30. You especially need to beware of carelessness at the end of St. Pentecostals. Why is its end called the Great Week? Building a city and a pillar and a moral lesson from here. Divine judgment on the builders and perpetuation of the memory of this. An exhortation to fasting and fervent prayer. Conversation 31. A Christian must be vigilant and careful, avoiding human glory and self-conceit. The agreement of the words of the book. Genesis with the words of the first martyr Stephen about the resettlement of Abram from Mesopotamia. Abram's feat in leaving his father's house. Why did he take Lot with him? Arrival in Canaan and the resignation of the patriarch. A warning against attachment to earthly wealth. Conversation 32. Encouraging listeners to excel in the knowledge of the truth and in a godly life. The appearance of God to Abram and the latter's deeds of piety during the journey to Egypt and the obedience of Sarah. Divine punishment of Pharaoh and his house. The sorrows sent by God must be endured with patience and joy. Conversation 33. Return to the subject interrupted by the onset of the Holy Feast of Conversations. Abram's arrival at the site of the former altar between Bethel and Hagge. Abram's humility, peacefulness and selflessness. Encouraging listeners to be humble before others. Conversation 34. The high dignity and godliness of humility and meekness; a divine reward to Abram for these virtues and an incentive for a Christian to give alms. Exercises of the Patriarch in firm trust in God. Imitation of the Patriarch in hope and encouragement to live not for oneself, but for the One who died and rose again for us. Conversation 35. One is encouraged to read the Divine Scripture, even without sufficient understanding at first; an instructive example of the eunuch of Queen Candace. Abram's love for Lot, captured by the eastern kings, and his extraordinary victory over the latter. Glory to the Patriarch and his blessing from Melchizedek. The instructive selflessness of the conqueror of the Eastern kings. The basis of all our deeds must be humility, love for eternal goods instead of transitory ones, which, like alms to the poor, serve to acquire the former. Conversation 36. The wealth of virtues of the Patriarch and a brief overview of his deeds and divine favors to him. Retribution to Abram for not accepting the gifts of the King of Sodom; Abram's great faith in the divine promise and imputation of it as righteousness. An invitation to believe the words of God and trust in His promises. Conversation 37. The great power of Divine Scripture and the richness of its thoughts. Abram's preparation for entering into a Covenant with God and an explanation of the extraordinary phenomena in which the very conclusion of the Covenant took place, and the divine foreshadowing of the enslavement of the descendants of the Patriarch in a land not his own. Encouraging listeners to imitate the firm faith of the Patriarch and avoid everything that disagrees with it, such as immoderation in food and clothing. Conversation 38. The firmness of Abram's faith despite the continued barrenness of Sarah. The latter’s reasonable and noble concern is not to die childless. Why is the number of years of Sarah's cohabitation with Abram indicated at the time when she gave him Hagar as his wife? Why does the Lord sometimes delay in fulfilling our requests? An example of a true marital union. Appearance of Angel Hagar in the desert. Exhortation to listeners to patiently and meekly endure sorrows and unanimity in family life. Conversation 39. Why is the Lord slow to fulfill His promises to Abram? A new revelation of God to Abram and an explanation of his name, along with an explanation of the meaning and origin of the original name. Why did God institute circumcision for the Jews? Circumcision does not benefit the soul. Circumcision not made by hands. Conversation 40. Revealing the divine promise of the birth of Isaac from Sarah and exhorting listeners to patience in tribulations. Abraham's obedience. The superiority of baptism over circumcision and the duties imposed by the former on the Christian. Conversation 41. Reproof of those who were in the horse races and explanation of the parable of the talents; a duty it places not only on teachers, but also on the hearers of the Word of God. The Hospitality of Abraham and the Epiphany at the Oak of Mamre: the zeal of Abraham and Sarah is an example for Christian husbands and wives. Conversation 42. Various virtues of Abraham and the call of listeners to imitate him. Confirmation to Abraham of previous promises and divine revelation of the inevitable destruction of wicked cities. Abraham's intercession for them and the example of the widow of Sarepta. Conversation 43. The virtues of Lot among the corrupt inhabitants and the application of this to the life of Christians. Lot's love of strangeness is worthy of imitation. The lawless intention of the Sodomites and Lot's selfless defense of the strangers. Deliverance of Lot by angels from death. An exhortation to homosexuality. Discourse 44. An exhortation to accept divine teaching with full attention. Abraham's Compassion; the meaning of the intercession of the righteous for us: we must first of all take care of ourselves and pray, and then turn to the intercession of the saints. Neither Lot nor his daughters need to be condemned. Perpetuating memory in posterity by a virtuous life: the memorable example of Joseph's chastity. Conversation 45. It is important for a preacher to have listeners who are kind to him. Abraham's settlement in the land of Gerar and the fear of death; true marriage. Divine deliverance of Sarah from dishonor and justification of Abraham before Abimelech. The fulfillment of the divine promise of the birth of a son to Sarah. An exhortation to trust firmly in God. Conversation 46. Sarah’s extraordinary joy at the birth of Isaac and the departure of Hagar with Ishmael. Divine providence for the exiled. Strength and safety of the one who uses divine help. The disastrous actions of envy and exhortations to its eradication. Conversation 47. The divine command to sacrifice Isaac and the indestructible firmness of Abraham's faith and obedience to the divine will. The educational significance of this sacrifice. An oath confirmation by God of the promises given before and exhortation of listeners to fulfill the divine commandments. Conversation 48. Burial of Sarah and Abraham's acquisition of his first land property; denouncing his contemporaries for their addiction to money-grubbing and exhortation to justice and almsgiving. Abraham's concern for choosing a wife for Isaac from his kindred tribe and his firm faith in the Lord Provider. The story of the journey of the servant Abraham to Mesopotamia with moral application to the lives of the listeners. Conversation 49. Isaac sets an example of patience and persistence in prayer. Reasons why the wives of the righteous were barren. Isaac's twenty-year prayer for Rebekah's infertility and encouragement to imitate the righteous man. Conversation 50. The piety and prudence of Rebecca, who inquired of the Lord (through the priest) at the time of fruitfulness. Different activities and dispositions of born twins. Esau's inattention to the gift of his birthright and the inspiration to his listeners not to lose great things for small and insignificant things. Conversation 51. The right of primogeniture and the meaning of names given in ancient times by parents to their children. The divine command to Isaac not to go to Egypt during the beginning of the famine and confirmation to him of the previously given promises. The danger that threatened Isaac in the land of Gerar, and deliverance from it by divine providence, like three youths in a fiery furnace. Conversation 52. The wealth of Isaac and the envy of him Gerarian. Isaac's true meekness and piety. Epiphany to Isaac at the oath well and thanksgiving offerings to the Lord. The union of Abimelech with Isaac, as proof that there is nothing stronger than meekness and virtue. An exhortation to love those who love and those who hate. Conversation 53. Esau's marriage to Canaanite women. The power of virtue and heavenly help in obtaining the blessing of his father by Jacob. Blessing to Esau and great anger towards Jacob. Conversation 54. An exhortation to exploits of virtue by indicating what is given by God to man and what is promised. Esau's envy of Jacob and the latter's advice to his mother, consistent with Christ's commandment to the apostles. Isaac's parting words to Jacob. Jacob's journey to Mesopotamia and the vision of a mysterious ladder with promises for the future and the present. The admonition of the listeners to ask first of all from the Lord not earthly, but eternal blessings. Conversation 55. Jacob's piety and faith in divine promises. Everything goes well for the one who is helped by the upper right hand. Convincing His Listeners to Love the Lord: The Apostle Paul's Illustrious Example of the Apostle's Love for Christ. Love for one's neighbor and almsgiving; the great power of the latter for the present and future life. Conversation 56. The simplicity of marriage in ancient times and the denunciation of the satanic amusements that occurred during Chrysostom. A Christian needs to abandon bad customs and turn to good ones. The ancient custom of polygamy and its eradication by Christ. Jacob's love for Rachel and Leah's childbearing by divine will. Rachel's jealousy and Jacob's prudence; multiplication of his family. An exhortation to imitate the ancients in virtue and not to resort to human power. Conversation 57. The virtues of the righteous are set forth in Scripture for our imitation of them. Jacob's meekness towards Laban and its strength. The reward Jacob offered himself and its extraordinary success. Laban's envy and the promise of divine help prompt Jacob to leave Mesopotamia. Highest help for Jacob, persecuted by Laban; Jacob's meeting with him and his reminder of his tireless labors while tending the flocks; a reproach to the shepherds of the spiritual flock. The agreement between Laban and Jacob, sealed in the name of God. Conversation 58. Jacob's encouragement through the appearance of a regiment of angels and his continued fear of Esau; a prayer to the God of the fathers for help, and at the same time sending gifts to Esau; new encouragement through the One who fought with Jacob and the change of his name to Israel. Why did God and angels appear to the righteous in the form of people? Manifestations of humility and subservience on the part of Jacob before Esau. An exhortation to meekness and humility in relation to those at war. Conversation 59. Jacob's moderation in acquiring a plot of land and denouncing the saint's contemporaries of covetousness; the harm of wealth for children. Dina's dishonor and the perniciousness of youthful passions that require curbing through legal marriage. Jacob's fear and relocation to Bethel to perform the sacrifice. An exhortation to take care of the cleanliness of young men. Conversation 60. The safety of Jacob as the one who has acquired heavenly help and a new Epiphany to him in Luz. Humanoid expressions about God do not need to be taken literally. Jacob's journey from Bethel to Hebron and the events of this time. Exhortation to the listeners to be vigilant, to maintain a pure conscience and to mortify the flesh. Conversation 61. The anger and envy of his brothers towards Joseph and the love of his father for him. Envy is a great evil. Joseph is a type of the future. The sale of Joseph to the Ishmaelites at the highest discretion served to glorify the sufferer. Great is the power of virtue and the powerlessness of vice. Conversation 62. Marriage of Judah with the Canaanite Sheba; the marriage of Er and then Abnan with Tamar; the birth of twins from Judas to the latter: Zara - a prototype of the Church, Perez - the law. Joseph's slavery in Egypt and his prosperity in slavery. The temptation of Joseph through the Egyptian's wife, the great victory of chastity and imprisonment. An exhortation to imitate the virtues of the wondrous Joseph. Conversation 63. Divine help to Joseph in prison and the interpretation of the dreams of the butler and baker. Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams according to divine revelation. No accidents can serve as an obstacle to the fulfillment of divine intentions. Therefore, in sorrows, let us not lose heart, but let us be nourished by trust in God. Conversation 64. Joseph's actions as ruler of Egypt and the birth of his two sons. Arrival of his brothers in Egypt; Joseph's intentionally harsh treatment of them and awakening their consciousness of sin. The second journey of the sons of Jacob with Benjamin and the test of the brothers' love for Benjamin. Joseph's revelation of himself to his brothers and their return to their father. An exhortation to love your enemies. Conversation 65. The life-giving effect on Jacob of the news that Joseph was alive, his determination to go to Egypt; sacrifice at the well of the oath and the consoling Epiphany to Jacob. Presentation of Joseph's brothers and father to Pharaoh. The latter's actions in Egypt during the famine; liberation of the priestly land from taxes to Pharaoh and an exhortation to show honor to the servants of God and patiently endure the temptations sent by God. Conversation 66. Why did Jacob want to be buried in the land of his fathers? True wickedness is death not in a foreign land, but in sins. The worship of Jacob at the end of his rod and the blessing of the sons of Joseph. An exhortation to leave to children an inheritance of treasure, which consists not in wealth, but in virtue and the blessing of God. Good is wealth without sin. Conversation 67. Explaining Jacob's prophetic blessing to his sons according to the order of their birth. The mysterious meaning of the blessing to Judas. Death and burial of Jacob. Why in ancient times there was strong crying for the dead. Joseph's Forgiveness and Testament to His Brothers. Conclusion with a moral exhortation. Eight Words on Genesis Homily 1, spoken at the beginning of Lent with the words “in the beginning God created heaven and earth.” Fasting is a spiritual spring for the soul. There is great benefit in knowing about the creation of the world and about its Creator according to the Scripture given by God. Why doesn't it speak at the beginning about the creation of angels? How could something that does not exist happen? Why did Moses present the heavens as complete, and the earth as being gradually built up? An exhortation to almsgiving by the example of the father and teacher of the Antiochian Church and an indication that this is the best way to preserve and use one’s property. Word 2. The power of the prayer of the Church, giving courage to the preacher. Why is it said “let there be” when creating light and other creatures, and only when creating man is it said “let us create”? Why is it created after all creatures? To whom does God say “let us create”? Refutation of those who attribute a human image to God, and exhortation to do the will of God. Homily 3. An exhortation to the listeners to delve deeper, at least during Lent, into the divine Scriptures. The meaning of the words “in the image and likeness” and the possibility for a person to be meek. The truth of man's original power over animals and the benefit of his fear of them that occurred after the Fall. Word 4. In addition to depriving man of power over animals, sin produced three types of slavery: the slavery of the wife, who was created with equal honor, before her husband; Ham's slavery to his brothers, due to his sin against his father; the third type of slavery is submission to superiors and rulers. Virtue frees you from slavery. – Arousing the attention of listeners to the preacher by the example of the first Christians. – Natural, not due to sin, the power of parents over children and the strict importance of the duties of children. Word 5. Why is everyone punished for the sin of one or several? The path to liberation from slavery is virtue, which banishes all fear of people and animals. There is no need for a Christian to complain about his ancestors because Christ promised great benefits. An exhortation to give alms to the poor, with a powerful depiction of their humiliated requests, their desperate situation and divine punishment for cruelty to their neighbors. Word 6. The usefulness and salutary value of Christian gatherings in the church of God. Did Adam have the knowledge of good and evil before eating from the tree? An exhortation to make your home a church and, along with the material meal, offer a spiritual one. Word 7. The superiority of a spiritual meal over a material one. Duties of listeners of divine teaching. Why is the tree of the knowledge of good and evil named so if man did not receive this knowledge from it? The custom of Scripture to name places and times according to past events. Saving fruits of the tree of the Cross. Why was the thief brought into heaven? Denunciation of the Manichaeans who denied the resurrection of the body. What is meant by heaven in the words of the Savior? An admonition to make your home a heaven and not to refuse alms. Homily 8. Chrysostom's joy due to the presence of bishops during the teaching. Why was the commandment given to the first man? The law was given to help man and is the greatest benefit and honor for those to whom it was given. The man fell from his own carelessness. Word 1. The benefits of remembering fasting and the benefits it brings. Reminding listeners of the subjects of previous conversations. The content of the conversation for those who converted to Christianity from paganism is about two ways of knowing God through contemplation of nature and through conscience. The third God-given mentor is parents. Their love for children depends not only on nature, but also on the morals of the children. The responsibility of parents and especially mothers regarding the upbringing of children, as exemplified by Hannah, the mother of Samuel. Her long-term infertility, prayer and high vow to God. An exhortation to imitate Anna in raising children, especially in caring for the chastity of their sons. Word 2. The power of prayer and faith, as shown by the example of Hannah, is worthy of imitation for husbands and wives. The severity of barrenness, especially in ancient times, and the fear of God that controlled the soul of the righteous woman. A great reward to Anna for her selfless gift to God. Anna’s firmness and vigilance in prayer: the success of prayer does not depend on many words, but on the strength of the heart’s aspiration to God. Anna's patience when insulted by the youth of the high priest Eli. Another example of how graciously enduring insults leads to greater glory. Priests must be respected regardless of their course of action. Anna's prayer after eating and drinking and an exhortation to imitate her in this, as in raising children. Word 3. The variety of Anna’s virtues and the benefits for a Christian of memories of her. Anna's dual love for Samuel and his dedication to God to serve in the church. An admonition to parents to dedicate their children to God by eradicating impure desires in them and preparing them for heavenly life. Word 4. Bitter complaint about visitors to spectacles, which, attracting both old people and young people, bring more harm than pleasure. Anna's virtues are amazing, although she was a woman. Her prayer after Samuel’s dedication to God is “my horn is exalted in my God”; the meaning of calling God by the name of his servants. An exhortation to frequent prayer; A Christian can pray always and everywhere. Word 5. The duty of a church preacher when there is a small number of listeners and an explanation of what constitutes a Christian holiday. The wealth of divine truths in Scripture is inexhaustible. “My mouth enlarged against my enemies, and they rejoiced in Thy salvation.” There is no need to grumble at God’s Providence due to the uneven distribution of wealth between people due to the availability and the poor of earthly goods necessary for life; advantages of the poor over the rich. Three Conversations about David and Saul Conversation 1. The need for long-term instruction to eradicate sinful passion. David is the great Old Testament example of meekness. David's benefits to Saul; the recklessness of the latter's suspicion of the former and the encroachment on his life. Despite the exploits, the modesty of David and his removal from the fatherland to stop the malice of Saul. David's extraordinary kindness towards Saul in the cave as God's anointed, despite the advice of David's companions. His prayer to the Lord to prevent him from sinning against the life of the king and an exhortation to tame his anger by remembering pious men. Conversation 2. Praising the listeners for their goodwill and love for David. Having recovered from his anger, David made a wonderful sacrifice to God; his victory over passions is no less amazing than the salvation of the three youths and the prophet Daniel; the beneficial consequences for David of the mercy he showed Saul. David's modesty even after this feat; the evidence he presented to Saul of his respect for him and kindness. David's deep sorrow over the death of Saul and his song. An exhortation to forgive enemies during life and mourn them in death. Conversation 3. A stern denunciation of those who went to the spectacles and a call on them to cleanse themselves of sin before entering the church. The severity and fatality of the sin committed by visitors to the spectacles. The benefit for our lives of the high example of the virtues of David and the inexcusability of a Christian who does not forgive his enemies. Forgiving his enemy brought David glory on earth and in heaven. Slander from enemies is more useful than the flattery of friends and the example of the Pharisee and publican. The influence of David's kindness on Saul and the exhortation to show honor to one's neighbor in advance. There is nothing more powerful than meekness as it brings the enemy to the consciousness of the evil caused and brings heavenly rewards. David's care for Saul's paralytic son and exhortation to imitate this. II. Conversations on the words of the prophet David Conversation 1. What is true wealth? Conversation 2. Exposure of luxury and vanity. III. Conversation for Great Week. An exhortation to increased spiritual vigilance during Holy Week. IV. A conversation about King David and Paul the Apostle. The quick repentance of the sinner David and the Apostle Paul and their complete forgiveness. Poems in honor of St. John Chrysostom Preface to Discourses on the Psalms. CREATIONS ATTRIBUTED TO ST. TO JOHN CHRYSOSTOM AND IN THE PATROLOGY OF MINA ASSIGNED TO THE DISCHARGE OF SPURIA To the words “In sorrow You have given me space...” (Ps. 4:2). Psalm of David about the eighth day. A conversation on a prophetic saying that says: “Man walks like a ghost, every man who lives” (Ps. 39:7,6) and about almsgiving. A conversation on the inscription of Psalm 50, about the repentance of David and about his wife Uriah. The rest is from Psalm 50 and about repentance. Word on the saying “Pray and give (praise) to the Lord our God” (Ps. 75:12). A word about the turtledove, or about the Church. Conversation on Psalm 118. Article 1 Conversation on Psalm 118. Article 2 Conversation on Psalm 118. Article 3 AFTERWORD V vol. COMPLETE COLLECTION OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM Interpretation of the Prophet Isaiah (These conversations were delivered by the saint in Constantinople in 399) Chapter 1. The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw (Is. 1:1) Chapter 2. The word that was in the vision to Isaiah the son of Amoz (Is.2:1) Chapter 3. Behold, the Lord, the Lord of hosts, will take away the staff and the reed from Jerusalem and from Judah (Isa. 3:1) Chapter 4. And seven women will take hold of one man on that day and say: “We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothing, only let us be called by your name - take away our shame” (Is. 4:1) Chapter 5. I will sing to my Beloved the song of my Beloved about His vineyard (Is. 5:1) Chapter 6. In the year of the death of King Uzziah (Isa.6:1) Chapter 7. And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah (Isa. 7:1) Chapter 8.1. And the Lord said to me: take yourself a large scroll and write on it in human writing: Mager-shelal-hash-baz. And I took faithful witnesses for myself: Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Barachi, and I approached the prophetess, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. And the Lord said to me: call his name: Mager-shelal-hash-baz, for before the child can say: my father, my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoils of Samaria will be brought before the king of Assyria (Is. 8: 1-4) Conversations on the words of the prophet Isaiah Conversation 1. In the year of the death of King Uzziah, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and exalted (Is. 6:1). Conversation 2. On the words of the prophet Isaiah 2 In the year of the death of King Uzziah, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and exalted” (Is. 6:1). And about the fact that neither time nor even a single letter of the Divine Scriptures should be ignored. Conversation 3. On the first (read second) Chronicles, which says: Uzziah’s heart was lifted up (2 Chronicles 26:16), also about humility and that a virtuous person should not be presumptuous, and about how great an evil is pride. Conversation 4. In response to the words of the prophet Isaiah, “In the year of the death of King Uzziah, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and exalted”; praise to the city of Antioch and inspired denunciation of those who prohibit marriage. Conversation 5. On the words of the prophet Isaiah, “In the year of the death of King Uzziah I saw the Lord,” and proof that Uzziah was justly punished with leprosy, having unworthily burned incense, which is permissible not for kings, but for priests. In response to the words of the prophet, “I form light and create darkness, I make peace and bring disaster” (Is. 45:7). In response to the words of the prophet Jeremiah, “I know, O Lord, that a man’s way is not in the will of a man, and that it is not in the power of a man who walks to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). Explaining that the ambiguity of the prophecies concerning Christ, the Gentiles, and the falling away of the Jews is helpful. More about the obscurity of the Old Testament and about God’s love for mankind and that we should not judge each other. INTERPRETATION ON THE PROPHET DANIEL A conversation given in the great church after (the bishop) spoke a little about the Gospel, on the words “The Son can do nothing of Himself, unless he sees the Father doing” (John 5:19). A conversation against those who left the Church and went to horse races and spectacles. Conversation on the apostolic words “know this, that in the last days difficult times will come” (2 Tim. 3:1). A conversation about perfect love, and about rewarding the worth of deeds, and about contrition. Review of the books of the Old Testament Review of the book of Deuteronomy. Review of the book of Joshua. Review of the Four Books of Kings. First Book of Chronicles. Second Book of Chronicles. Book of Wisdom of Solomon. Book of proverbs. Review of the book of the prophet Isaiah. Review of the book of the prophet Jeremiah. Review of the book of the prophet Ezekiel. Review of the book of the prophet Daniel. Word for the Nativity of our Savior Jesus Christ. The conversation is about the fact that there is one Lawgiver of the Old and New Testaments, also about the clothes of the priest, and about repentance. Conversation on the words “by what authority are you doing this?” (Matthew 21:23). A conversation about the second day of creation, and also against those who said that we Christians should not say “Lord of hosts” during consecration Discourse on the third day of creation and the resurrection Discourse on the Fourth Day of Creation Discourse on the fifth day of creation About the sixth day of creation, about primordial people, about the serpent, about the tree of knowledge, about life in paradise and God’s communication with Adam The Word about the serpent hanged on the cross by Moses in the desert, and about the Divine Trinity CREATIONS CLASSIFIED IN THE EDITION OF MINA AS FORGERY (Spuria) Conversation on the words “and God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good” (Gen. 1:31), and about the fact that divine words are more valuable than any sweetness Explanation that the first man lost the image that was in the likeness of God through disobedience and that this image was subsequently restored through the new Adam A word on the beginning of the Holy Pentecost, about the expulsion (from paradise) of Adam and about bad wives About the need to avoid spectacles, that visitors to them are drawn into the sin of adultery and that they are the cause of disagreement and enmity, and about Abraham To the words of Abraham, saying “Put your hand under my thigh” (Gen. 24:2); and about various martyrs ABOUT RIGHTEOUS AND BLESSED JOB The Word about the Three Youths and the Furnace of Babylon Commentary on Saint Matthew the Evangelist CONVERSATION FIRST. Why was the Holy Spirit given? Scripture. – When and how the Old Law and the New Testament were given. – Why did Matthew call his work the gospel? – Why was the Gospel written by four people? – Minor differences in the narratives of the evangelists serve as proof of their truth. – In the main and essential things, the Gospels completely agree. – Differences in the purposes of writing the four gospels. – The agreement of the evangelists is confirmed by the affinity of each part of their writings with the whole, as well as by the acceptance of their preaching by the entire universe. – The truth of the Gospel preaching is proven by its superiority over the teaching of philosophers and its acceptability for people of all ranks and ages. – Erroneous opinion about the simplicity and ease of explanation of the Gospel of Matthew. – An indication of the perplexities presented at the very beginning of the gospel. – An admonition to listeners to be attentive to the explanation, to diligently visit the church instead of spectacles, to study things related to heavenly life and to observe silence and silence in the church. CONVERSATION SECOND. Explanation 1:1. Repeating the exhortation given at the end of the previous conversation. – Description of the heavenly city. – The inexplicability of the birth of the Son of God, both heavenly and earthly. - The greatness of the incarnation. – The Son of God became incarnate to make man the son of God. – Christ united the Old Testament with the New. – The meaning of the name Jesus; its Old Testament prototype. – Why did Matthew call his gospel “the book of the kinship of Jesus Christ.” – Why does he put David before Abraham? – Evidence of the descent of Joseph and the Virgin from David. – Why is the genealogy of Joseph given, and not of Mary? – An exhortation to engage in spiritual teaching. - Reading Holy. The Scriptures are necessary especially for those living in the world as a medicine against idle talk and foul language. - The effect of God's word on man. – And just listening to Scripture is beneficial. CONVERSATION THREE. Another reason why Joseph's genealogy is given and not Mary's. – Why doesn’t the evangelist mention Esau? - The mention of vicious ancestors serves to greater glorify the Incarnate One, teaches us not to be ashamed of the evil behavior of our ancestors if we are virtuous, overthrows the pride of the Jews, who boasted of their descent from Abraham, and shows the necessity of the coming of Christ. – Fares and Zara serve as an image of the Jewish people and the Church of Christ. – Rahab and Ruth also serve as examples of the latter. – One should not boast not only of ancestors, but also of one’s own merits. – The virtue of every person is insignificant compared with his sins. – Forgetting good deeds is their safest repository. – Confession of sins is the best way to propitiate and thank God. – Humility is the beginning of all wisdom and the mother of all blessings. – David can serve as an example of humility. CONVERSATION FOUR. Exposition 1:17–21. Why is the genealogy divided into three parts? – Why is the genealogy omitted in Mark, but present in Luke? – Why does Matthew count the number of generations before Christ? - Why did the conception not take place before the betrothal? - The incomprehensibility of birth. – Christ was truly born of a Virgin and has the same flesh as us. – Virtue and wisdom of Joseph. - Why does the angel not announce the conception to him from the very beginning, like to the Virgin? - How the Angel assures him of the truth of conception from the Holy Spirit. – The greatness of the gift of remission of sins brought by Christ encourages believers to live worthy of this gift. – A believer must differ from an unbeliever in his good life, as well as in all his external behavior. – The ugliness of the soul can be seen as in a mirror, studying the life of holy men. “A man who gives free rein to his passions is worse than a beast.” – He who seeks external glory dishonors himself. – Piety gives true glory. – The example of the three youths teaches us to prefer poverty to the delights of wealth. - An exhortation to give alms. CONVERSATION FIFTH. Exposition 1:22–25. Listening to a sermon is beneficial when what you hear is remembered and discussed at home. – The meaning of the expression “all this will happen.” – Why does the angel remind Joseph of Isaiah’s prophecy? – Why is Christ called Emmanuel? – The Jewish objection to the virginity of Mary is refuted by the translation of the 70, just as it has no support in other translations. – Mary remained a virgin even after her birth. – The example of Christ’s brothers according to the flesh shows that kinship with a righteous man is of no benefit if there is no virtue of one’s own. – The prayers of the righteous cannot save those who themselves are negligent about salvation. – Alms given from unjustly acquired property appeases God. – Crime and harm of usury. CONVERSATION SIX. Exposition 2:1–3. The star that appeared at the birth of Christ does not justify the teachings of astrologers. – She was an invisible force that took the form of a star; four proofs of this. – The purpose of the appearance of the star and the coming of the Magi. – God in the dispensation of economy is applied to the state and ordinary views of people. – Why does the evangelist indicate the time and place of birth? – Who prompted the Magi to travel. – God does not violate free will. – Why were the Jews confused when they heard about the birth of Christ? – An exhortation to listeners to cultivate in themselves love for the spiritual and contrition for sins. – Tears of repentance cleanse the soul just as much as baptism. – Laughter is condemned by Scripture; it comes from the suggestion of the devil, like the spectacle. – Great harm caused by spectacles. CONVERSATION SEVEN. Exposition 2:4–10. By the appearance of the Magi and other events that accompanied the birth of Christ, the Jews could know the truth. – Why is the dignity of Christ not so clearly revealed at His birth as afterwards. - Herod's malice and madness. - Why did the star disappear and appear again? – The worship of the Magi subverts the teachings of Marcion and Paul of Samosata; it signified the calling of the pagans. – An exhortation to imitate the Magi through serving Christ. - Reprimand for those who leave Christ for the sake of shameful spectacles. – Chastity is the duty of every Christian. CONVERSATION EIGHT. Exposition 2:11–15. What prompted the Magi to worship the Child. -Why are they retiring to Persia? – In order to achieve His goals, God sometimes allows His enemies to fall into error. -Why is Christ sent to Egypt? – The prophecy of Hosea 11:1 receives its due fulfillment in Christ. – The change that happened to Egypt shows the power of Christ. - Desert living in Egypt. - Glory to the great Anthony. – Life in the world cannot serve as an obstacle to the imitation of monastics. CONVERSATION NINE. Exposition 2:16–23. Why did God allow the massacre of infants? – Sufferings and disasters suffered unjustly either atone for our sins or serve to obtain greater rewards in heaven. – In human life, everything happens according to the action of Divine Providence. – To prove His power, God fulfills His intentions by means of opposite means. – Why Joseph comes to Nazareth. – The prophetic writings are not all preserved by Jews. – One should not be proud of either the fatherland, or ancestors, or wealth, or other external advantages. – Wealth does not bring security and leads to the destruction of the soul. CONVERSATION TENTH. Exposition 3:1–6. What time is meant by the expression “in those days.” – Why Christ was baptized at thirty years old. – The difference between the baptism of John and that given by Christ. – The purpose of John’s coming. – The appearance and activity of John were predicted in advance by the prophets. - John's lifestyle. - An exhortation to imitate John. – The proximity of judgment and the need for repentance. – Repentance consists not only in abandoning bad deeds, but also in replacing them with good deeds. - Why does God not quickly fulfill our requests? - The benefits of temptation. CONVERSATION ELEVEN. Exposition 3:7–12. The unbelief of the Pharisees who came to John. – John’s denunciation of the Pharisees did not deprive them of the hope of salvation through repentance. – Repentance does not require a long time. - The superiority of the baptism of Christ over the baptism of John. – Why does John talk about the gift of the Holy Spirit, being silent about the previous deeds of Christ? – Baptism alone is not enough for salvation; a virtuous life is also required. – You need to benefit from the sermon. – Virtue must be learned gradually, moving from the easiest to the more difficult. - The benefits of penances. – Acquiring skill in virtue. CONVERSATION TWELVE. Exposition 3:13–17. John's baptism did not humiliate Christ. – Christ was baptized to fulfill the whole law. – Why did the Holy Spirit descend upon Jesus after baptism? – Why did the Jews, who saw the descent of the Spirit, not believe in Christ? – The Holy Spirit now descends on everyone who is baptized – Why did the Holy Spirit descend in the form of a dove. – The Holy Spirit is not inferior in dignity to the Son of God. – Having completed Jewish baptism, Christ opened the door to New Testament baptism. – A Christian must lead a life worthy of the gift of baptism. – A believer must actually justify his teaching before the pagans and serve as an example for them. CONVERSATION THIRTEEN. Exposition 4:1–11. Why did Christ endure temptations in the desert? - The benefits of temptation. – You shouldn’t look for temptations yourself. – Fasting is a weapon against the devil. – Why Christ fasted for 40 days. – The meaning and significance of the three temptations. – By His example, Christ teaches how to defeat the devil. – A variety of means used by the devil for deception. – You shouldn’t search hard for a quiet life. – Prosperous sinners will be subjected to the most severe punishment. – Certainty of future judgment and retribution; evidence of this. CONVERSATION FOURTEEN. Explanation IV, 12–24. Why does Christ retire to Galilee? -What is Galilee? – Why does Christ begin preaching after John? – The calling of Peter and Andrew. – An example of obedience to Christ shown by them. – Why did Christ perform miracles at the beginning of his sermon? – Christ still heals mental illnesses – the source of physical illnesses. – To ask for absolution, you need to feel your sins. – Unrepentance angers God the most. – After death, a sinner cannot receive forgiveness. CONVERSATION FIFTEEN. Exposition 5:1–16. By his example, Christ teaches not to do anything for show. – Addressing his speech to the disciples, Christ speaks through them to all people. – Who, of course, are the poor in spirit. Humility is the beginning of all piety. – Crying over sins frees you from attachment to earthly things. – The consolation given by God helps to overcome everything. – Under the earth promised to the meek, there are also sensual blessings. – Who is meant by those who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness, by those who are merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers and those exiled for the sake of righteousness, and what is their reward? – Not all reproaches make people blessed. – The Kingdom of Heaven is not promised by one poor spirit. – Why is the last commandment addressed directly to the disciples? – To endure slander is a greater feat than to endure danger. – The commandments pave the way for one another. – What do the expressions mean: “you are the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” – The power of preaching shows the power of Christ. – Virtue cannot hide. “She’s the only one who makes me happy.” - Those who slander inwardly praise virtue. – The life of a Christian must justify the teaching. - Censure for those who pursue profit, give alms out of vanity, amuse themselves with the quarrels of others, and admonishment not to start strife and quarrels and to forgive insults. CONVERSATION SIXTEEN. Exposition 5:17–26. Why does Christ say that He does not destroy the law? - Why does He say and do different things with authority, and different things with humility and prayer to God? – How Christ fulfilled the law and the prophets. – The commandments that completed the Old Law were already given in the previous Beatitudes. – Why does Christ call his commandments small. – One’s own deeds must precede learning. – The Old Testament truth is similar to the New Testament truth. – Why great feats are required in the New Testament. – The commandments of Christ confirm and fulfill the commandments of the Old Testament. – The Old Testament law testifies to the goodness of the Lawgiver. – There is one legislator of the Old and New Testaments. – Not all anger is forbidden by Christ. – Why does Christ threaten Gehenna for verbal insults? – Reconciliation with a brother is a true sacrifice to God. - Why is it commanded to make peace with your opponent quickly? – Slowness in doing good deeds can be the cause of great evils. – The motivation for virtue should be the thought that we do everything for God. – God’s help makes everything easy. – Virtue seems difficult for a person as long as he remains in sin. CONVERSATION SEVENTEEN. Exposition 5:27–37. Why does Christ not begin His teaching with the commandment about monotheism? – What desire does Christ forbid? – Why is the very sight of a woman prohibited? – Denunciation of women who love dresses. – You must move away from seducing people, even close ones. – Why did the law allow divorce? – Why is marriage with a released woman prohibited? – Restriction of freedom of divorce. - Prohibition of oaths. – For one who fulfills the commandments of Christ there can be no need for an oath. – Why divorce and oath were allowed in the Old Testament. – The same thing, depending on time, can be both good and bad. – A person in the New Testament is required to have higher perfection than in the Old. - How can you get behind the habit of swearing? CONVERSATION EIGHTEEN. Exposition 5:38–48. Why was the law “an eye for an eye” given? – What does it mean not to resist evil? – The command to turn the other cheek to the one who struck him expresses the general law of kindness. – Evil is defeated by patience. – The commandments of non-resistance are easy to fulfill. – Fulfilling them benefits those who offend. – One must endure even suffering without resistance. – Nine degrees of kindness. – The highest degree of virtue is prayer for enemies. – A model of kindness given by Christ. – The admonition to treat those who are angry as if they were sick, to warn each other with greetings and to be prepared for all sorts of insults and contempt – for God. CONVERSATION NINETEENTH. Exposition 6:1–15. Vanity imperceptibly attaches itself to virtue. – God looks at the intention of the one who does good deeds. - How one should do alms and prayer. – The Savior’s commandment does not prohibit prayer in church. – Decency must be observed in church during prayer. – What is required from the person praying is not a loud cry, but heartfelt contrition. – Consistency in prayer. – Why do we need to pray if God knows our needs? – Calling God Father contains the teaching of all virtue. - Explanation of the Lord's Prayer. – Forgiveness of offenses is primarily commanded by Christ. – It most of all likens a person to God. – Prayer for revenge on enemies angers God. – Remembering your own sins is the best way to learn to forgive offenses. CONVERSATION TWENTY. Exposition 6:16–23. Those who pretend to fast deserve special condemnation. – The deception of a hypocrite is exposed both in the present life and in the future. – Virtue should be revered for its own sake. – Christ gradually destroys the passion of greed. – Double motivation for giving alms. – Wealth enslaves the soul. – What the eye is to the body, the mind is to the soul. – Wealth does not deliver what a person expects from it. “It makes him incapable of anything truly useful.” - How can one destroy the lust for wealth? – The remoteness of reward should not serve as an obstacle to collecting treasures in heaven. CONVERSATION TWENTY-ONE. Exposition 6:24–27. The double harm of wealth. – You can be rich, but not serve mammon. – Why is wealth called mammon? – Christ forbids caring for everyday needs. - The ease of fulfillment of the commandment. – Why does this commandment seem impossible to fulfill? – Generous alms are the path to complete non-covetousness. CONVERSATION TWENTY-TWO. Exposition 6:28–34. Why, speaking about concern regarding clothing, Christ gives the example of the lily. - God's providence for man. – Why Christ assimilates providence to God the Father. – Faith in Providence frees you from useless worries and cowardice. – The search for heavenly blessings also gives earthly blessings. – Everything we do, we do with the help of God. – What does the expression “his wickedness endure for days” mean? – Sincere desire makes every commandment easily fulfilled. “There is no sin that cannot be blotted out by repentance.” – God does not save a person against his will. – Strong prayer is always heard. – God cannot be the enemy of man. – Prayer is always timely and pleasing to God. CONVERSATION TWENTY-THREE. Exposition 7:1–20. The commandment of non-judgment does not command not to judge all sins and does not prohibit judging everyone. – We must correct those who sin with love. – Those who have not corrected themselves should not condemn others. – The teachings of Christ should not be revealed to people who are unable to accept it. – The Gospel commandments are easily fulfilled with the help of God, given through prayer. – One should not despair of getting what one asks for. – What should you pray for? – Along with prayer, a good life is also necessary. – What makes the difficult path leading to life easy. – It is necessary to recognize and avoid those hiding behind the guise of virtue. - A hypocrite can be easily recognized by his deeds. – Deprivation of the heavenly glory and love of Christ is heavier than Gehenna itself. – The life of people devoted to worldly concerns is like a child’s play. – He who squanders his wealth to help those in need is more worthy of respect than he who collects it; one who is humbled is more than one who enjoys glory. CONVERSATION TWENTY-FOUR. Exposition 7:21–27. Neither right faith nor the gift of miracles are of any use in the absence of virtue. – Grace often works in those unworthy for the benefit of others. – One virtue brings security in real life. “No one can harm a righteous person.” – Numerous labors do not bring any benefit to the vicious. – The example of the apostles and Jews shows the power of virtue and the powerlessness of vice. – Vice is powerless against virtue. – The life of a vicious person is full of sorrows and fear. CONVERSATION TWENTY-FIVE. Exposition 7:28, 8:4. The power of Christ's teaching. – Why teaching is followed by performing miracles. – Why Christ heals the leper with the touch of his hand. – One must have God in one’s thoughts not only during illness, but also when in health. – Why does Christ sometimes keep the law, and sometimes not. – Christ does everything for his part to attract people to faith. – Gratitude to God is the best way to maintain His favor. – We must thank God for the blessings given not only to us, but also to others. - Every gift of God is great. – God often does good against the will of the person himself. – Humility makes you grateful to God. CONVERSATION TWENTY-SIX. Exposition 8:5–13. Christ praises those who had a high opinion of Him. – Matthew and Luke talk about the same miracle, mutually complementing each other. - The height of faith and virtue of a centurion. – Christ proclaims the doctrine of justification by faith and the calling of the Gentiles. – Just as it is possible for the virtuous to fall, so for the wicked it is possible to reform. – The example of David teaches how constant vigilance is necessary for the virtuous and how easy it is to rise up after a fall. CONVERSATION TWENTY-SEVEN. Exposition 8:14–22. With what speed the healings were accomplished by Christ. – Bodily diseases are the consequences of sins. – Christ did nothing out of vanity. – Christ attracted the people not only by his miracles, but also by the pleasantness of his appearance. – Christ gave answers to those who asked in accordance with their inner disposition. – Concerns about the spiritual should be preferred to everything else. - Those living in sins are worse than the dead. CONVERSATION TWENTY-EIGHT. Exposition 8:23–34. Why did Christ take only the disciples and let them be overwhelmed by the waves? – The difference between the miracle of Christ and the miracle of Moses. – Demons confess the deity of Christ. – The agreement of the evangelists in the story of the healing of the demoniac. – Why did the possessed live in coffins? – The soul that leaves the body does not remain on earth. – God provides for every person. – Why did Christ allow demons to drown the pigs? - Money lovers suffer from a more serious illness than those possessed by demons. – Image of a money lover. – The love of money harms the very acquisition of wealth. CONVERSATION TWENTY-NINE. Exposition 9:1–8. Matthew and John speak of two different paralytics. – Christ confirms his divine dignity and difference with the Father through the remission of sins, revealing the secret thoughts of his enemies and healing the paralytic. – The enemies of truth must be corrected with meekness. CONVERSATION THIRTY. Exposition 9:9–17. Why is Matthew called after the others? – The power of Christ and the obedience of Matthew. - The reliability of the Gospels. – Why did Christ share a meal with Matthew and other sinners? – The treatment and reformation of sinners is preferred to that of victims. – Those who are not approved should not be burdened with heavy commandments. – In correcting others one must imitate Christ, starting with the easiest. – Instructions on how to correct wives who love to decorate themselves. CONVERSATION THIRTY-ONE. Exposition 9:18–26. Request from the head of the synagogue for the healing of his daughter. – Why did the bleeding woman secretly approach Christ and why did He discover her? - The superiority of the bleeding one over the ruler of the synagogue. – Christ teaches not to be afraid of death. – The truth of the resurrections performed by Christ is confirmed by previous and subsequent circumstances. – Belief in the resurrection and future blessed life prohibits crying for the dead. – Crying for the dead comes from perverted love for them. – Death frees you from earthly disasters. CONVERSATION THIRTY-TWO. Explanation 9:27, 10:15. Why does Christ require those being healed to confess faith and forbid talking about healing? – The actions of Christ are the opposite of the actions of the devil. - He who does good for God must respond to slander with good deeds. – The image and purpose of the disciples’ embassy. – The peace promised by Christ is given in the church through the primates. “Those who reject this world face severe punishment. An exhortation to be reverent in church and to show love to both the preacher and one another. – One should not demand miracles from a preacher. – Virtue is higher than miracles and brings more benefits. CONVERSATION THIRTY-THREE. Exposition 10:16–22. The new law of warfare given to the apostles. – The meek overcome by the power of grace, although they must also provide their assistance. – What is meant by “wisdom of the serpent.” – The ease of fulfillment of Christ’s commandment is confirmed by the example of the apostles. – The obedience of the apostles to Christ. – The work of the apostles, both in terms of the conditions of its accomplishment and in its greatness, immeasurably surpasses the works of pagan philosophers and famous men. - The reason for the success of their preaching. – The example of the apostles deprives those who fall and are exhausted of excuses in times of peace. – One must become accustomed to feats before they occur. - Job's example. CONVERSATION THIRTY-FOUR. Exposition 10:23–33. Christ consoles the disciples with the promise of his speedy coming, the example of his own suffering, the hope of future blessings and the success of his preaching. – Contempt for death saves you from true death. – To confess Christ you need the help of grace. – Why, in addition to heartfelt faith, oral confession is also required. - You shouldn't be afraid of death. “We should be glad that the body is decaying.” - How many bad consequences would the incorruption of bodies have? – The beauty of the soul imparts beauty to the body. – One must love and seek spiritual beauty. CONVERSATION THIRTY-FIVE. Explanation 10:34–42. Unity of mind is not always useful. – The reason for the warfare carried out by Christ is human malice. – Unity and agreement of the Old and New Testaments. – One must obey one’s parents in that which is not contrary to piety. – For the sake of Christ one must be ready for any death. - Reward for those who receive the apostles. - We must accept anyone who needs help. - One should not reproach a person asking for alms. -Necessity excuses the shamelessness of the beggar. – He who reproaches a beggar shows greater shamelessness. - Blame on those who refuse alms out of laziness and pride. CONVERSATION THIRTY-SIX. Exposition 11:1–6. The purpose of John's embassy to Christ. – Christ’s answer to John’s disciples. – Refuting erroneous opinions about the purpose of the embassy: John, like other prophets, knew about the suffering and death of Christ; the Forerunner's sermon about Christ was not needed in hell. – Those who lived virtuously before the coming of Christ will enjoy all blessings. – The existence of future punishments does not violate the truth of God. CONVERSATION THIRTY-SEVEN. Exposition 11:7–24. How Christ defends John against the suspicions of the people. – Why is John called a great prophet? – Christ cannot be compared with John. – The cessation of the prophets proves that Jesus is the Messiah. – John and Christ walked opposite paths towards the same goal. – The Jews’ disbelief in John and Christ cannot be justified. - An exhortation to welcome strangers. – Against shameful songs and stories. – Harm caused to family and social life by spectacles. – Where to look for pure pleasures. CONVERSATION THIRTY-EIGHT. Exposition 11:25–30. The variety of means used by Christ to arouse faith in the Jews. – Humility makes a person worthy of revelation. - The Son is one in essence with the Father. – The impossibility of full knowledge of the Father and the Son. – Humility is the mother of all wisdom. – The yoke of vice is heavier than the yoke of virtue. – Confirmation of this truth by the example of people who loved poverty and the rich, kindly and angry. CONVERSATION THIRTY-NINE. Exposition 12:1–8. Christ did not break the Sabbath without reason. - How He defends the disciples from the Pharisees accusing them of violating the Sabbath. – The purpose of the Old Testament law on the Sabbath. – Its uselessness in the New Testament. – A true holiday consists of moving away from all evil. – Grace makes it easy to fulfill the commandments when we make our own efforts. CONVERSATION FORTY. Exposition 12:9–24. The mercy of the Lord and the inhumanity and malice of the Jews. – The benefits shown by Christ especially aroused the hatred of the Jews against Him. – Envy is the worst of evils. – Means of liberation from envy: awareness of its great sinfulness, the harm it causes to the envier himself and the insignificance of external advantages that arouse envy. CONVERSATION FORTY-ONE. Exposition 12:25–32. Refutation of the slander of the Pharisees and its purpose. – In what sense is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit not forgiven? – Self-condemnation and heartfelt contrition are the path to perfection and deliverance from punishment. CONVERSATION FORTY-TWO. Explanation 12:33–37. The purpose of rebuking the Pharisees. – Why does Christ call them brood of vipers? – What is expressed in words, whether good or bad, is only an excess of the internal. - Everyone will be judged by their own words. - The one who offends is more unhappy than the one who is offended; examples confirm this. – One should not make public the sins of others, even obvious ones. – You must examine your own conscience. - Time and place for such a test. – Carelessness and laziness are the reason for the inaccessibility of virtues. CONVERSATION FORTY-THREE. Explanation 12:38–45. Why did the Pharisees ask for a sign? – The disasters that befell the Jews are a sign of the power of Christ. - The reality of the death of Christ. – The justice of the punishments suffered by the Jews after the death of Christ. - He who has been freed from evils, but has not become more prudent, is subject to a more severe punishment. – Intense suffering is not alleviated by the sight of others suffering. – The benefits of being reminded of Gehenna. - An exhortation to improve life. The conditions of social and family life do not serve as an obstacle to virtue. CONVERSATION FORTY-FOUR. Explanation 12:46, 13:9. The purpose of the rebuke made by Christ to his mother and brothers. – Kinship according to the flesh does not bring any benefit if there is no spiritual kinship. - Explanation of the parable of the sower. – The seed perishes not through the fault of the sower. – Death and fruiting depend on the will of the recipient. – For salvation, one virtue is not enough. – Harm caused to the body and soul by satiety. CONVERSATION FORTY-FIVE. Exposition 13:10–23. Prudence of the disciples. – Grace does not destroy freedom. – The Jews themselves were the reason that they did not understand the teachings of Christ. – Christ wanted their conversion and salvation. – Sin is not a matter of nature or necessity. – Variety of ways of salvation. - An exhortation to almsgiving and compassion for the poor. CONVERSATION FORTY-SIX. Exposition 13:24–33. The difference between the parable and the previous one. – The devil gives error the semblance of truth. – The need for constant wakefulness. – One should not kill heretics; it is not forbidden to curb them. The action and power of apostolic preaching. – It was not miracles, but virtues that made the apostles and other saints great. – The grace of miracles is both attracted by a virtuous life and given for the correction of others. -What is a truly good life? CONVERSATION FORTY-SEVEN. Explanation 13:34–52. Why did Christ teach in parables? – The parable should not be taken literally. – The importance and value of preaching. – Renunciation of everything worldly is not a loss, but a gain. – Faith alone is not enough for salvation. – The harm of not caring about reading Scripture. – The head and members of virtue. – Evangelist Matthew, as an example of virtue. – Without alms salvation is impossible. - The superiority of the soul of the arbitrarily poor over the soul of the rich. CONVERSATION FORTY-EIGHT. Explanation 13:53, 14:11. The ignorance of Christ's origin should have caused greater surprise at His teaching. - Why did Christ perform few miracles in his fatherland? Herod's opinion of Christ. – The crime of Herodias and Herod. -What was the law that Herod broke? – The harm of dancing and feasting. – The suffering inflicted on the righteous increases his reward. - Debauchery is the cause of many crimes. – Sin is covered not by the addition of sin, but by repentance. – One should not ridicule, but cover up the sins of one’s neighbors. – The crime of feasts arranged for parasites. – We must correct parasites, using them to serve good deeds. CONVERSATION FORTY-NINE. Exposition 14:13–32. Why does Christ retire into the desert after the news of John’s death? – The attachment of the people to Christ. – Imperfection of the faith of the disciples. – Why did Christ perform some miracles by his own power, others in the name of the Father? – The multiplication of loaves testifies that Christ is the Creator of everything visible. - The method of performing a miracle and its purpose. – One should not seek human glory. – Spiritual benefits should be preferred to sensual ones. “Charity is superior to all arts.” - Every art is worthy of its name as long as it serves to satisfy the necessary. – Against luxury in shoes and clothing. CONVERSATION FIFTIENTH. Exposition 14:23–36. Why does Christ allow his disciples to be overcome by waves and fear? – God sends the strongest test when he wants to save you from danger. – The power of Peter’s love for Christ; his lack of faith. - The effect of a miracle on students and people. – Christ still offers Himself to everyone in the Eucharist. – The Eucharist is no different from the supper celebrated by Christ Himself. – The Eucharist requires perfect purity from those who approach it. – Alms are more pleasing to God than rich offerings to the church. CONVERSATION FIFTY-ONE. Exposition 15:1–20. The Jewish priests were guilty of introducing new regulations and preferring them to the commandments of God. – Why did Christ’s disciples eat with unwashed hands? – The Pharisees taught, under the guise of piety, to despise the commandments of the law. – Christ rejects regulations about food and – covertly – all other ritual regulations. – Christ does not condemn the law. – A person is desecrated by impurity of heart. – One must approach prayer with clean lips and a heart free from anger. – One should not pray against enemies. - The one who offends only harms himself. CONVERSATION FIFTY-TWO. Exposition 15:21–31. Christ opens the door to the pagans. – The power of faith and humility of the Canaanite woman. - Why did Christ delay fulfilling her request? – Alms are valued not by the quantity given, but by the strength of the disposition. - The superiority of alms over all other arts. – The inclination towards mercy is inherent in nature itself. – Mercy is the hallmark of a person. – A predator cannot receive the fruit of alms. CONVERSATION FIFTY-THREE. Explanation 15:32, 16:12. The certainty of miraculous saturation. – Imperfection of the faith of the disciples. - Their wisdom. – Why didn’t Christ give a sign to the Jews who asked? – The seemingly small miracles of Christ surpassed the great ones in their power. – Strictness can be just as useful as leniency. – Real life is a change of joys and sorrows. “Nothing gives greater joy than virtue.” – The memory of good deeds serves as a great consolation at the hour of death. CONVERSATION FIFTY-FOUR. Exposition 16:13–23. Why does Christ ask the disciples first about the people’s opinion of Him? – In what sense did Peter confess Christ as the Son of God? - Christ is one in essence with the Father. – Why, before suffering, did the Savior forbid it from disclosing that He was Christ? – The mystery of the Cross and Resurrection was unknown to the apostles. – One should not be ashamed of the Cross of Christ. – With what thoughts and dispositions should one perform the sign of the cross? – The power of the Cross. - A Christian should have nothing to do with the earth. - The ease of fulfillment of the commandments. CONVERSATION FIFTY-FIVE. Exposition 16:24–27. Following the example of Christ, one must always be ready to die. – Why Christ does not force, but invites to follow Him. -What does it mean to deny yourself? – To what extent should self-sacrifice extend? – Not all suffering is following Christ. – What is the true salvation and the true destruction of the soul. – Equality and consubstantiality of the Son with the Father. – Praise for the life of monks. – An explanation of the prayer they use after eating. – An exhortation to imitate the way of life of the monks. CONVERSATION FIFTY-SIXTH. Explanation 16:28, 17:9. Why does Christ talk more about rewards than threaten punishments? – Why do Moses and Elijah appear at the transfiguration? – Greater perfection is required from Christ’s disciples than Moses and Elijah showed. – Peter’s love for Christ. – Equality of the Son with the Father. – Why Christ forbade the disclosure of His transfiguration before His suffering. - The glory of the future coming of Christ. – Virtue is easy, vice is painful. - Against usury. CONVERSATION FIFTY-SEVEN. Exposition 17:10–21. The double coming of Christ. – Elijah is the forerunner of the second coming. - Why is John called Elijah? – A miracle can be performed both by the faith of the mediator, and by the power of the miracle worker alone. - Lack of faith of the father of a demon-possessed youth. – Why are people possessed by demons called lunatics? – The apostles were not always equally perfect. – To drive out demons, fasting combined with prayer is necessary. - Luxury and drunkenness are the source of all evil. – It is not wine that should be condemned, but drunkenness. - The harmful consequences of drunkenness. CONVERSATION FIFTY-EIGHT. Explanation 17:22, 18:6. The meaning of Christ's death and resurrection was incomprehensible to the disciples. – What is the didrachm that was asked of Christ? – Christ is the true Son of God and the ruler of the universe. – The passion of vanity was not alien to the students. – By the example of a youth, Christ teaches humility and simple-heartedness. – The greatness of reward and punishment for those who despise humble people. – Arrogance makes a person crazy. – Noble birth does not give any real advantage. – Wealth deprives you of nobility and freedom. – Honors do not benefit the body and harm the soul. CONVERSATION FIFTY-NINE. Exposition 18:7–14. Why does Christ speak about the coming of temptations? – The immutability of prophecy does not destroy free will. – Destruction does not depend on temptations. - The benefits of temptations. “Everyone is virtuous or vicious according to his own will.” – Evil is not co-eternal with God. – Evil is disobedience to God, resulting from carelessness. – The path to avoid temptations indicated by Christ. - We must care about the salvation of our neighbors. - Piety alone should strengthen the bonds of friendship. – In caring for the salvation of others one must be patient. – For salvation, one’s own virtue is not enough. – An exhortation to take care of the proper education of young men. CONVERSATION SIXTIENTH. Exposition 18:15–20. How one should reprove those who sin. – Why does the Savior send the offended person to the offender and commands him to rebuke him, and not anyone else? - The purpose of reproof. – Why the prayer of those who live in agreement is not always heard. – Love for neighbors must have Christ as its basis. – The fickleness of love that stems from worldly benefits, and the firmness of love for Christ’s sake. CONVERSATION SIXTY-ONE. Exposition 18:21–35. Forgiving offenses is always our duty. – How great is the difference between sins against God and against man. – The greatness of God’s blessings aggravates the severity of sins against God. – Exposing the vices of warriors, artisans, landowners. – An explanation of the parable about a forgiven debtor who turns out to be an ungrateful debtor. - The benefits of bearing grievances without complaint. – We must grieve for those who cause us harm. CONVERSATION SIXTY-TWO. Exposition 19:1–15. The malice and deceit of the Pharisees. – Indissolubility of marriage. – Christ teaches us to prefer virginity to marriage. – Cutting off members is a diabolical thing. – The need for grace-filled help for those who choose virginity. - Should be like children in spiritual properties. - The gentle one is stronger than the evil one. – Examples of David and Saul. – Passions cause harm to those possessed by them in real life. CONVERSATION SIXTY-THREE. Exposition 19:16–26. The intention of the questioning young man. – The meaning and purpose of Christ’s answer. – The increase in wealth increases the passion for it. – You need special help from grace in order to live piously with wealth. – Christ does not assign the work of salvation to God alone. - How should the passion for wealth be weakened? - Wealth is the cause of disasters in life here. – Thinking about the disasters and dangers associated with wealth protects against being seduced by it. CONVERSATION SIXTY-FOUR. Explanation 19:27, 20:16. Poverty does not prevent you from being perfect. – God’s promises are conditional. - In what sense is the apostles promised judgment over the twelve tribes? – The meaning and purpose of the parable of the vinedresser and the laborers. – Vocation depends on a person’s willingness to obey God. – For salvation you need right faith and a virtuous life. – Neglect of any one virtue leads to death. – Mercy makes the soul invincible to the devil. – One should not be tempted by the example of the lazy. CONVERSATION SIXTY-FIVE. Explanation 20:17–28. Why does Christ speak about his suffering to his disciples in private? – The apostles did not have clear knowledge of the mystery of suffering and resurrection. – What and with what intention did the sons of Zebedee ask? - How Christ corrects their request. – The degree of glorification is determined by the dignity of the deeds. – The degree of perfection of the apostles before and after the descent of the Holy Spirit. – Humility increases glory. “There is nothing higher than humility and nothing lower than pride.” – Proof of the superiority of the humble over the proud. CONVERSATION SIXTY-SIX. Explanation 20:29, 21:11. Persistent prayer bows to God. – Christ’s mercy extended only to the worthy. – What does the event of unquestioning giving of the donkey teach? – The life of Christ should be an example for us. – The educational significance of Christ’s entry onto the donkey. - An exhortation to almsgiving. – The insufficiency of the alms given compared to the wealth of the city (Antioch). - The inexcusability of excuses for refusing alms. - Alms are the best acquisition. CONVERSATION SIXTY-SEVEN. Exposition 21:12–32. The bitterness of the Jews. – The meaning of the praise of the youths. - Why is the fig tree cursed? – Why doesn’t Christ tell the Jews about the right of His power? “Christ makes them condemn themselves. - Why does he present them with harlots and tax collectors as examples? – No sinner should despair of correction, just as no virtuous person should indulge in carelessness. – The superiority of work for virtue over worldly works. CONVERSATION SIXTY-EIGHT. Explanation 21:33–46. Interpretation of the parable of the vineyard. – Christ predicts the rejection of the Jews and the acceptance of the pagans. – The Jews themselves are to blame for their destruction. – We should prefer the benefits of the future to the present. – Monastic life is more desirable than secular life. – Description of the way of life of the monks. – Comparison of the pleasures given by the theater and the monastery. - An exhortation to learn life among monks. CONVERSATION SIXTY-NINE. Exposition 22:1–14. Similarities and differences between the parables of the vineyard and the wedding feast. – Why is the Kingdom of Heaven called marriage? - Three guilts of the Jews. - God's care for the Jews and their lack of gratitude. – Rejection of the Jews and calling of the Gentiles. – Calling happens by grace; grace must be matched by obedience. – We must take care of the clothing of the soul, not the body. - An indication of the example of the hermits. – The simplicity of the monks’ home and meals. – The serenity of their lives. - Contempt for earthly virtues and differences. CONVERSATION SEVENTIETH. Explanation 22:15–33. The intention of the Jews is to convict Christ of rebellion against the authorities. - How Christ denounces them. - Who were the Sadducees? – The fictionality of their story about a wife who had seven husbands. – Properties and reality of the future resurrection. – Depiction of the battles, exploits and victories of the hermits over drunkenness and gluttony. – Comparison of the meals of sensualists and hermits. CONVERSATION SEVENTY-ONE. Explanation 22:34–46. The connection between the commandments of love for God and neighbor. – For which Christ praised the questioning lawyer. – Christ affirms the doctrine of His Divinity. – Vanity turns both good and bad deeds into its food. - Against those who are vainglorious in giving alms. – Alms should be secret. – He who seeks glory through alms brings upon himself condemnation and disgrace. CONVERSATION SEVENTY-TWO. Exposition 23:1–13. Christ's agreement with the Father. – You should listen to teachers, even corrupt ones. – A teacher who breaks the law deserves special condemnation. – The cruelty and vanity of the Pharisees. – What are storage facilities and openings? – A teacher must be a model in everything. – Christ protects from covetousness and inspires humility. – Hermits set an example of humility. – The way of life of the hermits removes them from pride. – Public life cannot serve as an excuse for pride. CONVERSATION SEVENTY-THREE. Exposition 23:14–28. He who covers up evil deeds with the guise of piety deserves severe punishment. – The Pharisees were the destroyers of those who wanted salvation. – The purpose of the Old Testament instructions on external cleansing. – Virtues that purify the soul: truth, philanthropy, truth. – Against those who do not care about spiritual purity. – Against those looking out for beautiful women in the church. – Comparison of the morals of the apostolic times with those of today. – Against women’s clothing, marriage for money, corrupting sayings. CONVERSATION SEVENTY-FOUR. Explanation 23:29–39. Why does Christ condemn the Pharisees for building the tombs of the prophets. – The Pharisees feigned condemnation of their fathers and surpassed them in wickedness. “Those who do not understand by punishing others suffer the heaviest punishment. – Christ’s love for the Jews and execution for rejecting it. “The later repentance of the Jews will not benefit them. – An exhortation to take care of the soul and treat mental illnesses – in particular the love of money – from spiritual doctors. CONVERSATION SEVENTY-FIVE. Exposition 24:1–15. Fulfillment of the prophecy about the destruction of the church. – Prophecy about the disasters of the Jews and the temptations of the apostles. – Christ corrects the disciples’ opinion about the time of the end of the world. – Why did the destruction of Jerusalem take place after the preaching of the Gospel was spread? – The proof of the power of Christ is the difficult conditions under which the victory of the preaching took place. – Against the doctrine of the circulation of time and the influence of stars on human destiny. – Good ignorance is better than bad knowledge. – The severity of sin decreases or increases depending on the circumstances and the person sinning. CONVERSATION SEVENTY-SIX. Explanation 24:16–31. The severity of the disasters of the Jews according to the prophecy of Christ and according to the testimony of Josephus (Flavius). - Cause of disasters. – Which elect is Christ talking about? – Time and image of the second coming. - Why will the cross appear? – We must voluntarily do for the sake of Christ what happens to us out of necessity. – In Christ the satisfaction of all our desires and needs. – The vanity and ruin of worldly cares. – The need for future trials and punishments. CONVERSATION SEVENTY-SEVEN. Explanation 24:32–51. Why does Christ give the example of a fig tree? – In what sense is the expression “this generation” used? – The truth of Christ’s prophecies. – Christ knew the day of the end of the world. – The suddenness of the second coming. – Why is the day of judgment and death of every person left unknown? – Examples of expressions of Christ and God the Father, showing Their ignorance. - Why does God speak this way? – For the proper use of the gift, prudence and loyalty are required. – The benefit of not knowing the day of judgment. - About the proper use of wealth. – One should be primarily concerned with virtues that benefit others. – Prayer, fasting and virginity borrow strength from almsgiving. – Concern for the salvation of others is inseparable from concern for one’s own salvation. CONVERSATION SEVENTY-EIGHTH. Exposition 25:1–30. The difference between the parable of the virgins and other similar parables. – Virginity, devoid of works of mercy, is condemned on a par with adultery. “Nothing can save us except our own deeds.” – Correction after death does not bring any benefit. – The difference between the parable of the talents, as presented in Matthew, and that presented in Luke. - Explanation of the parable. – All gifts of God must be used for the benefit of others. – About the proper use of language. – An exhortation to imitate the example of Christ in the use of language. CONVERSATION SEVENTY-NINE. Explanation 25:31 – 26:5. Description of the Last Judgment. – The death of Christ is a triumph and deliverance of the universe from evils. - How many high priests were there? - The love of Christ. – An exhortation to imitate His example. - About forgiveness of insults. – Memory malice is prohibited in the Old Testament. - A good person cannot suffer any harm from insults. CONVERSATION EIGHTIETH. Exposition 26:6–16. The three evangelists speak of a different wife than John. - Why is Simon’s leprosy mentioned and the name of the city mentioned? -What was the wife looking for? – Why did Christ allow the anointing with myrrh. – Weak people should not be required to do high things from the very beginning. – The true love of the evangelists. - The malice of Judas. – The love of money is the most terrible of passions. – Image of a money lover. “No one can harm a virtuous person.” – Poverty enriches the soul, wealth makes it poor. CONVERSATION EIGHTY FIRST. Exposition 26:17–25. What is meant by the first day of unleavened bread? – Why does Christ send to an unknown person? - The image and work of rebuking Judas. – Judas was not a minister of the economy of salvation. – Why does God allow people to be born evil? “It’s not birth, but carelessness that makes you evil.” - How great is the evil of the love of money. - Judas' flight. - Money lovers cause more harm to themselves and others than those possessed by demons. – One who has not freed himself from the love of money cannot overcome other passions. – At every age the corresponding passions must be suppressed. CONVERSATION EIGHTY SECOND. Explanation 26:26–35. Blinding the traitor. – Why did Christ perform the Sacrament of the Eucharist during Easter? – The meaning of the Sacrament. – Why did Christ eat and drink after his resurrection? – By His example, Christ teaches us to begin and end a meal with prayer. – The fear and flight of the disciples serve as proof of the death of the Savior. – Why Christ allowed Peter to fall. – For salvation, both grace-filled help and one’s own efforts are necessary. - How one should look at the Sacrament. – In the Eucharist the tasting of Christ is given. – The greatness of the benefits of the Sacrament requires an appropriate disposition from those approaching it. – An admonition to the ministers of the Sacrament to test the dignity of those receiving communion. CONVERSATION EIGHTY THREE. Explanation 26:36–50. The image and purpose of the Savior's prayer. – The suffering of Christ is not a consequence of His guilt or necessity, but a matter of divine providence. – The condescension and meekness of Christ increase the guilt of the traitor. – The love of money exposes you to dangers and sorrows, deprives you of pleasures and intensifies physical and mental illnesses. – What is the true decoration and the true ugliness of a house. CONVERSATION EIGHTY FOUR. Explanation 26:51–66. Why did Christ command the disciples to have swords and furs? - Why did He forbid the disciples to defend themselves? – Evidence of voluntary surrender. - The lawlessness of the trial of Christ. – Why did they want to put Christ to public death? - Deceit exposes itself. – You shouldn’t always look for victory. – True victory comes from patience. - Example of Joseph. CONVERSATION EIGHTY-FIVE. Explanation 26:67, 27:10. The immensity of the crime of those who mocked Christ. – The Savior’s suffering is our praise. - The reason for Peter's denial. – Agreement between Matthew and Mark’s accounts of this event. – The futility of Judas’ repentance. – The consciousness of the crime deprives those who condemned Christ of justification. – The crime of those who condemned is exposed by their own actions. - Against alms brought from the profits of covetousness. – The preacher’s grief over the need for church ministers to engage in worldly concerns for the sake of works of mercy. CONVERSATION EIGHTY-SIXTH. Exposition 27:11–26. In what sense does Christ confess himself to be king? - Why didn’t He answer the slander of the accusers? - Guilt of Pilate and the people. – Vices must be eradicated at the very beginning. – Small sins require more work and care than large ones. – Despair destroys more than sin. – Sin sometimes covers itself with the guise of piety. – Knowledge of Scripture is a means to protect oneself from the paths of destruction. CONVERSATION EIGHTY SEVEN. Explanation 27:27–44. The severity of the insults suffered by Christ. – The benefits of public and private reading of the story of Christ’s suffering. – The efforts of the Jews to discredit the glory of Christ and his failure. – By the example of his suffering, Christ teaches long-suffering. - Benefits derived from insults. – How you can learn to calmly endure grievances. – One should not be angry with those who offend, but grieve for them. - He who respects himself cannot be dishonored by anyone. CONVERSATION EIGHTY-EIGHTH. Explanation 27:45–61. The greatness of the heavenly sign revealed at the cross. – The darkness at the crucifixion was not the result of an ordinary eclipse. - Why did this miracle not have an effect on the pagans? - Signs of power and strength shown by Christ at death. – The courage of the women and Joseph. – Alms given to the poor are given to Christ. – Why does the preacher often talk about almsgiving? – Why doesn’t he talk about the fight against the enemies of the faith? – The virtues of Christians are the best weapon against unbelievers. - Against those who make noise and talk in the church. CONVERSATION EIGHTY-NINE. Explanation 27:62, 28:10. The sealing of the tomb serves as indisputable proof of the resurrection. – The disciples could neither steal bodies nor invent resurrections. - Why did the resurrection have to take place within three days? - Circumstances surrounding the resurrection. – Appearance of the Risen One to wives. – Exhortations to imitate the myrrh-bearers. – Against addiction to expensive clothes and jewelry. – Jewelry is a reason for dishonor and sorrow. – Wearing jewelry should be avoided, especially in church. – The love of jewelry turns one away from alms and causes debauchery in husbands. CONVERSATION NINETY. Explanation 28:11–20. The improbability of the theft of Christ's body is proven by the presence of guards at the tomb, the timidity of the disciples, and the cloth remaining in the tomb. – The truth of the resurrection is confirmed by the testimony of the enemies about the empty tomb. – Appearance of the Risen One in Galilee. - The meaning of the promise given by Christ. – The ease of fulfillment of the commandments of Christ. – Prevalence and severity of the disease of love of money. - Wealth does not give security. – Poverty is not evil. - The superiority of poverty over wealth. “It is not miracles, but the contempt of wealth that brings glory.” Excerpt from conversation IV. The question is being resolved why St. Matthew counts from David to the Babylonian captivity and from the captivity to Christ fourteen genera, whereas in the first case there were seventeen, in the second - twelve. Interpretation of the Gospel of John CONVERSATION 1 (introductory). 1. Praise for the Gospel of John. Its superiority and benefits. -Who can understand him? – 2. The Exaltation of John. – How to listen to the Gospel. – The need for a certain disposition towards the Word of God. – 3. There is no need to throw holy things to the dogs. – 4. Description of the mood that is required to hear the Gospel. – One must avoid theatrical spectacles and stand firmly in unity with God and the church. - Must have attentive hearing. CONVERSATION 2 on John 1:1. 1. External philosophers in comparison with the Evangelist John. - His poverty and ignorance and at the same time his incomparable superiority over the first. – 2. The barbarian peoples, having adopted Christianity, learned to philosophize. – 3. Against the teachings of philosophers and especially against the doctrine of the transmigration of souls. – 4. Why does John talk about God the Son without touching on God the Father. -What is true wisdom? – 5. The mind cannot think about several objects at the same time. – With what attention should one read the Gospel of St. John. CONVERSATION 3 on John 1:1. 1. About the dedication to the Lord of one of the seven days of the week. – What kind of education should be given to youth. – 2. The opinion of the Anomean heretics about God the Word. – 3 and 4. Proofs of the eternity of the Word. – 5 and 6. Against vanity. - The evil he produces. “They sacrifice their wealth to him. “For his sake they do everything to please the people.” – The glory of the people is true glory. - How to deal with a crowd. – Let God alone be the spectator and praiser of good deeds. CONVERSATION 4 on John 1:1. 1. Why St. John limits himself to a single word about the incarnation of the Son of God, while other evangelists present it in detail. – Pavel Samosatsky and his delusion. – 2. What is the Word. – 3. Refutation of the heretics’ objection to the Divinity of the Son, based on the fact that the Son is called God – “Theos” – without a member (article). – 4 and 5. Jesus Christ suffered and died to deliver us from idolatry. – To render a creature the reverence due to the Creator is extremely unfair. – Faith and doctrine are useless for salvation if life and morals are corrupted. – Anger must be quenched immediately. – People praise and blame according to whether they love or hate. – Image of a man in anger. - Against those who carefully observe hours and times. CONVERSATION 5 on John 1:3. 1. How some heretics changed the meaning of the third verse of the first chapter of the Gospel of John through changing punctuation. – 2. The absurd conclusions to which the opinion assumed by heretics leads that the Holy Spirit is created. – 3. The Son of God is equal to his Father. – The inexhaustible fruitfulness of the Creator. – God is not a complex being. – 4. That sinners are like drunken and furious people. “It is better to walk and be shown naked in the streets than covered and burdened with sins.” CONVERSATION 6 on John 1:6. 1. The message of John the Baptist. – Explanation of the saying “a man was sent from God.” – Why and how Christ accepts the testimony of John. Teaching without good deeds is of no benefit. CONVERSATION 7 on John 1:9. 1. One should not try to comprehend what is incomprehensible in God. – The true doctrine of the Father and the Son. - Foolishness of the Sabellians and Marcellians. How sins are washed away. CONVERSATION 8 on John 1:9. 1. Why does Jesus Christ, being the light of truth, not sanctify all people? – 2. The foolishness of Pavel Samosatsky. – Answers to the questions of the pagans: what did Jesus Christ do before his coming, etc. – You cannot properly strive for heavenly things while becoming attached to earthly things. There is a big difference between the servants of Jesus Christ and the servants of mammon. CONVERSATION 9 on John 1:11. 1. Who are “their own” who did not accept Christ: firstly, the Jews, who were his chosen people. – Then other people who did not believe in Him, being His creatures. – 2. Unbelief as the reason for the blindness of the Jews; pride as the reason for their unbelief. – The grace of mercy extended by God to the pagans did not cause any injustice to the Jews. – The Apostle Paul rightly rebukes them and curbs their pride and arrogance. -They are jealous of the salvation of the pagans. – Pride makes all virtues useless. CONVERSATION 10 on John 1:11. 1. God does not force or constrain our free will. – 2. What does it mean: “came to his own”? – That those who did not want to accept Jesus Christ are sufficiently punished by this very act and the consequences of this refusal. - The beneficial effect of baptism. – 3. That it is entirely up to us to maintain the purity of our baptism. – Punishment for those who desecrate the clothes received at baptism. Faith and purity of life are necessary for salvation. – What kind of clothing should those who are called to the royal wedding feast wear? CONVERSATION 11 on John 1:14. 1. Before going to the conversation, you should read those parts of the Holy Scriptures that are to be explained. – The position of a minister does not diminish the dignity of the Son of God. – 2. About heretics who claim that the Word was incarnate only in appearance. – The state of human nature before the coming of Jesus Christ. “She was like a destroyed house that only the Almighty could restore.” – Incarnation as an incomprehensible mystery. – God the Word took our flesh so that he would never leave it. “That’s why she sits on the royal throne and is worshiped by all the heavenly hosts.” CONVERSATION 12 on John 1:14. 1. What does the saying “glory as of the only begotten from the Father” mean? – 2 and 3. Signs and wonders before the coming of Jesus Christ. - Harbingers and preachers. – Human free will. – Virtue as a product of free will. – Miracles announced Jesus Christ and showed that he is the Only Begotten Son of God. – Miracles performed invisibly and visibly during His death. – What is the glory of Christ in heaven. CONVERSATION 13 on John 1:15. 1. The inattention of the listeners does not deprive the preacher of his reward. - Why ev. John often refers to the testimony of St. John the Baptist? – 2 and 3. The meaning of the testimony of St. John the Baptist. – 4. There is nothing more beautiful than a right life. – Rejection of gifts brought from ill-acquired estates. CONVERSATION 14 on John 1:16. 1. What we have received from the fullness of Jesus Christ. – 2. The difference between the Old and New Law. – The meaning of the words “grace upon grace.” – God always precedes us with his good deeds. – 3 and 4. The prototypes of the Old Testament received their fulfillment in the New. – Explanation of some of these prototypes. – In public competitions, not those who have been defeated are encouraged to compete, but only courageous fighters. – On the contrary, in spiritual exploits they encourage and inspire both of them equally, because those who were defeated can recover and still achieve victory. – The bitterness of medicines should not dishearten anyone: their benefits will be revealed later. – Both sinners and righteous people all need medicine, correction and good edification. CONVERSATION 15 on John 1:18. 1. No one has ever seen God in His essence. – 2 and 3. Jesus Christ fully knows the Father, because he dwells in His bosom. – Refutation of the Arians and other heretics who rejected the Divinity of Jesus Christ. – Jesus Christ revealed more to us than the prophets and Moses. – All Christians constitute one body. - Which serves as the greatest bond of their mutual love. CONVERSATION 16 on John 1:19. 1. How the malice of the Jews is manifested in the questions with which they addressed St. John the Baptist. – 2. How this faithful Forerunner gives to Jesus Christ the glory that even the Jews wanted to give to him. – The high opinion that the Jews had of St. John the Baptist. “Their unbelief in Jesus Christ was inexcusable and did not deserve forgiveness. - Humility of St. John the Baptist. - Against the Anomeans. – Pride overthrows all virtue of the soul and perverts all good deeds. – She is the mother of the devil, the beginning, source and cause of all sins. - About alms. – The poor bring the blessings of this world to heaven. – The fragility of earthly possessions is why it is necessary to transfer them to a higher city in advance. CONVERSATION 17 on John 28–29. 1. Words of St. John the Baptist as evidence of his greatest reverence for Jesus Christ. – 2. Jesus Christ did not need baptism. – 3 and 4. The assumption that Jesus Christ performed miracles as a child is false. – Why did the Jews not believe in Jesus Christ, although they heard the sermon of St. John the Baptist and saw so many signs and wonders. – Reliability of the evangelists. - Against the pagans. – Defenders of spectacles are encountered, but truth and faith are not found. – The writings of philosophers of that time against Christians. CONVERSATION 18 on John 1:35–37. 1. Why St. Did John the Baptist often repeat the same thing? – Some catechumens delayed accepting baptism until the last moment. – 2. The prophets and apostles preached the absent Jesus Christ, and St. John the Baptist preached Christ present. – 3 and 4. The teaching of Jesus Christ should be preferred to any other. – The more food the body is given, the more it is relaxed; The more food the soul is given, the more it is strengthened. – Aversion to meat is a sign of illness in the body; aversion to the Word of God is a sign of illness of the soul. -What is her food? – Against theater and spectacles. CONVERSATION 19 on John 1:41:42. 1. The benefits of human unity. – Andrei, having found the Messiah, immediately invites his brother to take part in the newfound happiness. – 2. Prophecy proves divine omnipotence no less than a miracle. – 3. The ancients had many names, Christians had only one name: Christian. - The honor and glory of this name. “We bear the name of Jesus Christ and are as close to him as the body is to the head.” – How to make proper use of wealth? – Giving your property to the poor means enriching yourself. CONVERSATION 20 on John 1:43–44. 1. Philip's calling. “Jesus Christ draws him along with him with one word.” – Philip, for his part, leads Nathanael to Christ. – 2. Nathanael’s character, his wisdom. - How he was brought to faith. – 3. The faithful are obliged to do everything that Jesus Christ desires and requires of them. – We must obey Christ in everything, feed Him when He is hungry, give Him water when He is thirsty. “He will not reject our gifts, whatever they may be.” – A friend gladly accepts everything his friend gives him. – Love is revealed not in words, but in deeds. CONVERSATION 21 on John 1:49–50. 1. Nathanael's confession was less perfect than the confession made later by the apostle. Peter. – 2. Jesus Christ performed his first miracle at the request of his Mother. – 3. Jesus Christ wants everyone to turn to Him with their needs. – Example of famous doctors. – Why did He give a harsh answer to His Mother? – Relatives of the Savior, known as Desposin. – Our ancestors and fathers were good Christians, which should shame us and expose us to even greater communication. CONVERSATION 22 on John 2:4. 1. Jesus Christ does everything in good time, not because He is subject to time, since He is the Creator of years and the Lord of ages, but out of love for order. – 2. Jesus Christ, by his miracle in Cana of Galilee, proved that He is the Creator of water and wine. – 3. The miracles of Jesus Christ surpass all the forces of nature. “He perfects our rebellious souls.” – The fragility of the blessings of this world: they instantly disappear and flow away with the speed of a stream. - Poverty is the mother of health. – The sweets of the meal are very harmful to the body and soul and produce many diseases. CONVERSATION 23 on John 2:11. 1. The transformation of water into wine is the first miracle of Jesus Christ. – On what evidence does the authenticity of this miracle, which led the disciples to faith, rest? – 2. Jesus Christ expels the sellers from the church. – The same thing happened again at the end of His sermon. – 3. Why Jesus Christ made unclear predictions. – The apostles did not know about the resurrection. – Why didn’t Jesus Christ reveal this to them? – People believe facts more than words. – The Holy Spirit reminded the apostles of everything that Jesus Christ told them. - The greatness of the virtues of the apostles. - Praise to them. - An exhortation to give alms, without which one cannot enter the gates of heaven. CONVERSATION 24 on John 2:23. 1. Those who were attracted to Jesus Christ by His teaching were more firm and stable in faith than those attracted by signs. - Why didn’t He perform more miracles? – 2. Nicodemus, the weakness and imperfection of his faith. – The Condescension of Jesus Christ. – 3. One should not penetrate into sacred secrets with excessive curiosity. – Without subordinating their minds to faith, people fall into many absurdities. – The human mind, not illuminated from above, produces only darkness. – Riches are thorns that scratch and wound us. CONVERSATION 25 on John 3:5. 1. Nicodemus did not understand the Savior’s words because he wanted to talk about spiritual matters in a human way. – If a person is not born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven. – 2 and 3. Faith in the invisible. – The difference between the first and second creation. – In the first creation, the Creator used the earth to create man; in the second, the Holy Spirit uses water. – The first man was created with a living soul, the second was filled with the life-giving Spirit. – The first person needed help, the second, receiving the grace of the Holy Spirit, does not need any other help. – Why is water needed for baptism? - Rite of baptism. – Great mysteries performed for us by Jesus Christ as incentives for us to lead a good life. – The catechumens and their position in relation to the faithful. – The benefits of alms and gifts brought to Jesus Christ and these little ones. CONVERSATION 26 on John 3:6. 1. Spiritual rebirth and its essence. – 2. A prototype of spiritual rebirth. – 3. The nature of Christian exhortation. – You need to act with meekness, without anger and shouting. – A person who brings insults to others commits a shameful deed; he who suffers insults is a true philosopher. – Slaves have the same nature as masters, and therefore the latter should not offend the former. What slaves do out of fear of their masters, the latter should do out of fear of God. CONVERSATION 27 on John 3:12–13. 1. One should not try to comprehend with reason the origin of the Only Begotten Son. – 2. The copper serpent as a prototype of Jesus Christ. - How God loved the world. – 3. Love of God: the excess of His goodness towards sinners and the ungrateful. – God, in order to save us, did not even spare his Only Begotten Son, but we spare our money. - Bad use made from wealth. – Our ingratitude to Jesus Christ in the person of the poor for all His benefits to us. - Against those who, squandering everything on luxury, despise the poor and do not care about their needs. CONVERSATION 28 on John 3:17. 1. The greater the Lord's mercy, the more severe His punishments will be for the stiff-necked. – God opened the doors of generosity to all people. – Two comings of Jesus Christ. – 2. Unbelievers are subject to condemnation – Whoever withdraws from Jesus Christ. “Great sinners are people who are stubborn in their stubbornness, devoted to the vices that have overwhelmed them. – To be a Christian, you need to lead a good life in compliance with the purity of doctrine. – The reason for the deviation of the pagans from accepting the faith of Christ. – Pagan philosophers made virtue out of empty vanity. The love of vanity destroys people. – Vanity is more destructive than all other vices. – In order to acquire glory before people and the glory that comes from God, one must strive to achieve only the latter. CONVERSATION 29 on John 3:22. 1. The sublimity of truth and the baseness of lies. – Why Jesus Christ himself did not perform baptism, but only His disciples. – 2. The disciples of John the Baptist were jealous of the disciples of Jesus Christ. – 3. How the church becomes the bride of Jesus Christ. – Disasters and losses caused by vanity. - How to free yourself from this vice. CONVERSATION 30 on John 3:31. 1. The efforts of St. John the Baptist to lead his disciples to Jesus Christ. – 2. Rejecting Jesus Christ is tantamount to convicting the God who sent Him of lies. – 3. One should not read the Word of God frivolously: one must delve into every word. – The Word of God is a weapon that you need to be able to wield. - In the affairs of this world, everyone is clever and smart, but in the matter of salvation we are lazy and cowardly. – The sacred books were written not only for the ancients, but also for us. CONVERSATION 31 on John 3:35:-36. 1. Faith without a good life is useless for salvation. – 2. Why Jesus Christ withdraws. – Origin of the Samaritan woman. – 4. Continuation of the same thing. - Abolition of Jewish rituals. – 5. The good example given to the Samaritan woman regarding the love and jealousy with which the word of Jesus Christ should be treated. – She calls others to Jesus Christ, while the Jews turned away from him. To do what is displeasing to God means to live uselessly and to one’s own destruction. - The soul is immortal. “The body will also be immortal so that we can enjoy heavenly blessings.” “God offers us heaven, but we become attached to the earth, insulting the Lord.” CONVERSATION 32 on John 4:13–14. 1. Holy Scripture calls the Holy Spirit sometimes water, sometimes fire, denoting by this not essence, but activity. – Continuation of the story of the Samaritan woman. – 2. Obedience of the Samaritan woman. – 3. The wisdom of Jesus Christ in the matter of converting people to salvation. – An exhortation to read the Holy Scriptures. – The devil does not dare to enter a house where there is a Gospel. – Reading spiritual books sanctifies a person. CONVERSATION 33 on John 4:21–22. 1. A person always needs faith. – Faith, like a ship, transports us across the sea of ​​life. – 2. About true reverence for God. – Respect of students for their Teacher. “There is nothing higher than the love of Christ.” – Humility and tenderness attracted the special love of Jesus Christ to John. - Apostle Peter. – Humility as the basis of virtue. - Vanity of wealth. - An exhortation to almsgiving. CONVERSATION 34 on John 4:22–29. 1. Continuation of the story of the Samaritan woman: the humility of this woman. – 2. Why Jesus Christ, like the prophets, often expressed his thoughts through comparisons, allegories and allegories. – The prophets sowed, the apostles reaped. – 3. Must follow the example of the Samaritan woman in confessing her sins. – People usually fear people and do not fear God. – Hiding their sins before people so as not to be disgraced, they are not afraid of shame before God. – To return to sin is to be like a dog returning to its vomit. The best way to correct your vices is to examine each of them separately, without missing a single one. The need to constantly be ready for the coming of the Lord. CONVERSATION 35 on John 4:40–42. 1. The Samaritans, being more receptive to grace than the Jews, having seen and heard Jesus Christ, recognize that He is the Savior of the world. – 2. Healing of the son of the courtier Herod. – 3. One should not demand from God miracles or proof of His omnipotence. – We must glorify and love God under all circumstances: in joy and sorrow, in health and illness, and endure everything out of love for Him. CONVERSATION 36 on John 4:54–5:1. 1. The sheep's font as a prototype of baptism. – 2. Relaxed, suffered for 38 years, a wonderful example of patience. Perseverance in prayer. – Quality of prayer. – Why is human life difficult and difficult? - Necessity of labor. -What is chastity? - No labor, no moderation. – The pleasure delivered by vice is short-lived; the joy given by virtue is eternal. – There is no true joy in this world; true joy is in heaven. CONVERSATION 37 on John 5:6–7. 1. Great benefit derived from the Holy Scriptures. – The difference between the self-sacrifice of a paralytic and the self-sacrifice of a saint. Matthew. – 2. Faith of the paralytic. – 3. The greatness of the evil produced by vice. – Image of envy: the envious have no excuse; their sin does not deserve forgiveness. CONVERSATION 38 on John 5:14. 1. God punishes the body for the sins of the soul. – Most diseases come from sin. – 2 and 3. Recognition of a paralytic. – Jesus Christ compares himself with God the Father and declares himself equal to him. – 4. Perfect equality and perfect unity of the Father and the Son. – Against ambition and passion to exalt yourself over others. – We must avoid vanity and the evils it produces and seek the glory that comes from God. – The difference between human glory and the glory of God. CONVERSATION 39 on John 5:22–23. 1. One must fear the Last Judgment. – 2. Why Jesus Christ uses simple words. – 3. Jesus Christ often talks about judgment and resurrection. – 4. Two wills in Jesus Christ. – 5. In the study of the Holy Scriptures, every detail must be carefully examined. – We must forgive others as Jesus Christ forgave us. – What you need to do to receive eternal life. - An exhortation to almsgiving. TALK 40 on John 5:31–32. 1. A simple and satisfactory explanation of a text that seemed difficult at first. – 2. The testimony of John in favor of Jesus Christ and the testimony of the work of Jesus Christ. – 3. Testimony of God the Father. – We must fight heretics with the help of Holy Scripture. Covetousness is the root of all evil. – You cannot serve two masters – God and mammon. - How to give alms. – The severity of the future judgment on those who were inhumane and cruel to the poor. CONVERSATION 41 on John 5:39–40. 1. One should not read the Holy Scriptures in fits and starts and frivolously. – 2. The Jews will have Moses himself as their accuser. – 3. Refutation of the pretexts and empty apologies of the Jews. -Their anger and stiff-neckedness. – Virtue is the mother of prudence. – Sin is born from stupidity. - The wisdom of the one who fears God, and the foolishness of the one who does not fear Him. CONVERSATION 42 on John 6:1–4. 1. It is useful to sometimes move away from persecution. – 2. The miracle of the multiplication of loaves. – Marcionite fallacy. – 3. With what care Jesus Christ edifies his disciples by performing miracles. – 4. One must despise the glory of man and the riches of the earth. – The honors and riches of this world are incomparable with the honors and benefits promised to us by God. – One must love not this transitory glory, but immortal glory. – The difference between serving the world and serving Jesus Christ. - Against spectacles. – It is a crime to spend money on poor women instead of giving it to the poor. CONVERSATION 43 on John 6:16–18. 1. Jesus Christ calms the storm. – He performs some miracles with only his disciples. – 2. Inconstancy and frivolity of the people. – The miracle of crossing the Red Sea and its difference from the miracle of Jesus Christ walking on the sea. – You need to ask only spiritual blessings from God. – Why are villains and sinners often rich? – One must love true wealth. CONVERSATION 44 on John 6:26–27. 1. One should care not about the food of the body, but about the food of the soul. – 2. You need to ask God for what is proper to ask from Him. – The pleasures and sorrows, blessings and disasters of this world have nothing real in themselves. “Therefore, there is no need to desire some and fear others. – In another world, everything is eternal – punishments and rewards. – Depiction of the blessings of the present life and the future life. CONVERSATION 45 on John 6:29–30. 1. Lust for pleasure is destruction for the soul. – 2. What is the bread of life? – 3. The necessity of faith and grace for salvation. – Jesus Christ often spoke about the resurrection, and the reason for this. – 3. Frequent reminders of the resurrection encourage one to avoid evil and do good. – Resurrection and judgment destroy fate. – Nothing happens out of necessity or by chance. – The certainty of resurrection and judgment: people without faith will suffer the same thing as unbelievers during the time of the flood and Lot. – The end of the world will suddenly befall people. – Evidence of the certainty of the resurrection and the Last Judgment. TALK 46 on John 6:41–42. 1. God draws people to Himself without suppressing their free will. - A refutation of the Manichaeans on this subject. – 2. The difference between manna and the true bread of life. – 3 and 4. The greatness and abundance of the love of Jesus Christ in the divine Eucharist. – The essence and significance of the Eucharist for our salvation. – Those who unworthily partake of the body and blood of the Lord will be punished as those who crucified Him. TALK 47 on John 6:53–54. 1. Continuation of the discussion about the meaning of the Holy Eucharist. – 2. The disciples find the Teacher’s word cruel. – 3. Reproaches and reprimands should be done with simplicity. – 4. Prediction of the betrayal of Judas. – Our salvation, like our destruction, depends on our free will. – 5. The example of Judas should serve as a warning to those in higher positions. – Greed, which was the cause of Judas’s betrayal, can be the cause of death for each of us. – To despise the poor is to betray Jesus Christ. – The uselessness of wealth and its abuse. – One must despise everything temporary and seek only the eternal. CONVERSATION 48 on John 7:1–2. 1. The jealousy of the Jews and the unbelief of the relatives of Jesus Christ. – 2. James, brother of the Lord, first bishop of Jerusalem. – 3. We must imitate the meekness and goodness of Jesus Christ. – You need to patiently endure ridicule, lies and insults. – Anger and its consequences. - Means against him. CONVERSATION 49 on John 7:9–10. 1. Jesus Christ sometimes acted humanly to give us a clear example. – 2. His announcement of His equality with God the Father and the wrath of the Jews. – 3. Accusing Him of breaking the Sabbath. – The meaning of virtue in this and future life. TALK 50 on John 7:25–26. 1. Jewish disputes regarding Jesus Christ. – 2. Jesus Christ exposes them and proves that they deliberately reject Him, knowing that He is the Messiah. – 3. He predicts his death. – Charity to the poor and punishment to those who do not do it. CONVERSATION 51 on John. 7:37–38. 1. Hearers of the Word of God must have a burning thirst for it. – 2. The Holy Spirit was already given to the people of the Old Testament, but the apostles received it with the greatest fullness. – 3. Consequences of anger. – By wanting to do harm to others, people cause destruction to themselves. – Evil is healed not by evil, but by good. CONVERSATION 52 on John. 7:45–46. 1. The truth is revealed to sincere and kind souls and hidden from evil souls. – 2. Nicodemus defends Jesus Christ against the slander of the Pharisees. – 3. Objection of heretics and answer to it. – Jesus Christ declares His consubstantiality with the Father. – 4. To slander the Son means to blaspheme the Father. – We must glorify the Son in words and deeds. – What God requires from a Christian. – We must avoid greed and predation, as shameful for a Christian. CONVERSATION 53 on John 8:20. 1. The stupidity and cruelty of the Jews. – 2. Talking with the Jews, Jesus Christ shows them His unity with God the Father. – 3. To receive salvation, you need to diligently read the Holy Scriptures. Scripture. – You must attend church to listen to the Word of God. – One must carefully study the Holy Scriptures. Scripture; its benefits and the fruits obtained from it. CONVERSATION 54 on John 8:31–32. 1. Jesus Christ promises the Jews that if they follow His teaching, it will deliver them from slavery to sin. – 2. If they were true sons of Abraham, they would not have sought His death. – 3. Not being sons of Abraham, they are even less sons of God: the devil is their father. – 4. To comprehend and know the truth, you need to lead a good and righteous life. – We must strive with all our might to achieve the Kingdom of God. - How to achieve it. CONVERSATION 55 on John 8:48–49. 1. We need to strongly fight what they say against God, and endure what they say against us. – 2. Refutation of the Anomeans and Arians. – 3. Must make use of time without delaying your conversion. – Image of envious people and envy. CONVERSATION 56 on John 9:1–2. 1. Healing a man born blind. – 2. By giving sight to a man born blind, Jesus Christ proved to the Jews that He is the Creator. – 3. Refutation of the imaginary contradiction between the ap. Paul and Jesus Christ. – The bliss of the eternal fatherland and what is necessary to achieve it. The poor create for us dwellings in heaven. - An exhortation to alms. CONVERSATION 57 on John 9:6–7. 1 Faith of a man born blind. – The goodness of God to all people without distinction. – 2. The need for faith. – There is a bad peace and there is a good war. – One must avoid evil people and stick to good ones. – A society of evil people is more harmful than an ulcer. CONVERSATION 58 on John 9:17–18. 1. The Jews, wanting to refute the miracle of the healing of a man born blind, confirm it even more brilliantly. – 2. Questioned by the Pharisees, the man born blind answers them boldly and praises God. 3. The rage and disappointment of the Pharisees. – 4 and 5. What is written in St. Scripture should serve as an instructive example for us. – A healed man born blind as an example of Christian virtues. - Negligence and carelessness in matters of religion. – We must not waste time and strive with thirst to know the truth. CONVERSATION 59 on John 9:34ff. 1. Praise to Jesus Christ to the man born blind for his courage and firmness in faith. – 2. By what signs can one distinguish between a predator and a shepherd? – 3. Jesus is the true shepherd and the true Christ. – 4. We must obediently follow Jesus Christ as our true Shepherd and obey His voice. – You cannot serve God and mammon. - About the true use of wealth. - An exhortation to almsgiving. CONVERSATION 60 on John 10:14–15. 1. Thin shepherds. – New confirmation of the equality of the Son with the Father. – 2. A hint of the calling of the pagans. – How Jesus Christ has the power to leave his life and take it up again. – 3. Dispute among the Jews regarding Jesus Christ. – 4 and 5. We need to imitate Jesus Christ as our example. – Responsibilities of His disciples and followers. - A great reward for those who console prisoners. CONVERSATION 61 on John 10:22–24. 1. The duplicity and stubborn unbelief of the Jews. – 2. The omnipotence of the Father is at the same time the omnipotence of the Son. – Confirmation of the deity of Jesus Christ. – 3 and 4. The removal of Jesus Christ, rejected by the Jews, to the place where John the Baptist testified about him. – The benefits of removing yourself from the world and its worries. – Image of a Christian woman. - Against the luxury of women. CONVERSATION 62 on John 11:1-2. 1. The difficulty of the question of Mary, sister of Lazarus. – Jesus Christ once again declares His equality with God the Father. – 2. The meaning of the saying of the apostle. Thomas. – Jesus Christ goes to Bethany to raise Lazarus. – 3. I am the resurrection and the life. – Why did Jesus Christ delay the resurrection of Lazarus until he began to stink? – 4 and 5. It is against the custom of women to mourn the dead excessively. - A temptation for the pagans. – Grief for the dead should be moderate. – Alms and prayers for the dead. – It is permissible to mourn the dead, but not excessively. CONVERSATION 63 on John 11:30–31. 1. Arrival of Jesus Christ in Bethany. – Jesus Christ shed tears for Lazarus. – 2. Jesus Christ in front of the open tomb, in which the body began to decompose. – 3 and 4. Faith is a great good and a source of many benefits. - Indisputable proof of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. - Against adulterers. CONVERSATION 64 on John 11:41–42. 1. Out of condescension for the weakness of his listeners, Jesus Christ did not always speak as God. – 2. On the equality of the Son with the Father. – 3. The confusion of the Pharisees on the occasion of the resurrection of Lazarus. “They are plotting to kill the Author of Life.” – 4. Against envy. – Who, exactly, needs to be mourned? CONVERSATION 65 on John. 11:48–50. 1. Involuntary prophecy of the high priest Caiaphas. – 2. The removal of Jesus Christ and His stay with Lazarus. – 3. The sin of covetousness. – An image of those who are infected with this evil. – Greed is a kind of idolatry. - The strength of her power. CONVERSATION 66 on John. 12:9. 1. The Pharisees plan to kill Lazarus. – Entering Jerusalem on a donkey, Jesus Christ fulfilled the prophecy and transformed the conversion of the pagans. – Ignorance of the disciples until the death of Jesus Christ. – 2. The pagans who came to the holiday want to see Jesus Christ. – 3. The inexcusability of those who do not believe in the resurrection of the body. – The meaning and significance of the resurrection. - Morals and customs of pagan philosophers. – A book written by a pagan philosopher against Christians. CONVERSATION 67 on John 12:24–26. 1. About someone who, loving his life, destroys it. – 2. The cross as a path to glory. – Expulsion of the devil from the world by death as the path to glory. – The expulsion of the devil from the world by the death of Jesus Christ. – 3. Prediction of Jesus Christ about his resurrection and victory. – Against greed that seeks to ruin others. CONVERSATION 68 on John 12:34. 1. Death does not prevent Jesus Christ from living forever. – 2. Prophecies do not force a literal understanding of the various ways of expressing the Holy Scriptures. Scriptures. 3. We must try in every possible way not to alienate ourselves from God. - About philanthropy towards neighbors. CONVERSATION 69 on John 12:42–43. 1. Covetousness is a very dangerous disease. – 2. About the consubstantiality of the Father and the Son. – 3. One must avoid vanity, the poison of which spreads everywhere. - Against the luxury of women. - An exhortation to almsgiving. “Women should give up luxury so that they can persuade their husbands to give alms.” CONVERSATION 70 on John 13:1 1. The kindness of Jesus Christ to his enemies and to all people. – 2. The opinion that Jesus Christ first of all washed the feet of Judas. – Washing feet was an excellent lesson in humility taught by the Lord to his disciples. – 3. You must care for widows and orphans. CONVERSATION 71 on John 13:12. 1. The bitterness of Judas. – The attitude of Jesus Christ towards his disciples as an edifying example for masters who are cruel to their servants. – 2. To explain the lesson of humility taught by the Lord. – 3. It is not the one who suffers insults who is unhappy, but the one who causes them. – Examples of the ancients. – Joseph and Moses as examples of meekness and patience. - The story of Joseph. – You need to forgive in order to receive forgiveness from God. CONVERSATION 72 on John 13:20. 1. Why St. John reclined on the chest of Jesus Christ when all the other disciples were in fear. – 2. Insensibility of Judas. - Why was there a wallet in the host of students? – 3. Conversation after the Last Supper. – It is not miracles, but love for mankind that constitutes the sign of the disciples of Jesus Christ. - Reproaches that pagans made to Christians. - How the students showed their love for humanity. – The pagans noticed the vices and shortcomings of Christians and made them an excuse for avoiding accepting the Christian faith. CONVERSATION 73 on John 13:36. 1. Liveliness and jealousy. Petra. – Love is nothing without grace. – Prediction of the fall of ap. Petra. – 2. Jesus Christ, in order not to sadden his disciples, hid some things from them. – Another testimony to the equality of the Son with the Father. – It is necessary to take care of washing away all the impurities of the soul. - First of all, they are washed by baptism, then by alms. - The vice of predation. – Making alms from stolen property is criminal. “It is better not to do works of mercy at all than to do them from the fruits of predation.” CONVERSATION 74 on John 14:8–9. 1. Consubstantial of Jesus Christ with God the Father. – 2. The power and omnipotence of Jesus Christ. – 3. Must follow Jesus Christ and bear His cross. – The New Testament sacrifice is immeasurably higher than the Old Testament. – What is the Christian’s sacrifice? – Suppression of passions. – Love of wealth and its tyranny. “For a long time people did not know gold and silver, where covetousness comes from. - About alms. CONVERSATION 75 on John 14:15–17. 1. It pleases God that His creatures love Him. – Against the Sabelians and those who deny the Holy Spirit. – 2. About the greatness of the power of the Holy Spirit in the apostles. – 3. Confirmation of the disciples by Jesus Christ. – 4. In what ways is the Father superior to the Son. – 5. The power, might, and efficacy of the Holy Spirit. - Unnaturalness of vices. – Submission of the flesh to the spirit is the best means for acquiring eternal blessings. TALK 76 on John 14:31, 15:1. 1. The fear of the disciples before the death of Jesus Christ. – The parable of the vine and its meaning. – 2. The Savior spoke a lot in relation to his listeners. – The greatness of love, its invincibility and benefits. – Excellent testimonies of His love. – Against predation and greed. - Evil caused by wealth and greed. “Jesus Christ redeemed us, and we serve mammon.” – How to achieve the perfection of virtue. - Praise of poverty. CONVERSATION 77 on John. 15:11–12. 1. Is it possible to separate love for God from love for neighbor? – 2. Jesus Christ comforts his disciples. – 3. The last consolation is the promise of the Holy Spirit. – 4 and 5. Various ways of consolation in sorrows. – Although virtue is difficult, the fruits it produces are glorious. - An exhortation to almsgiving. - We must be content with what is necessary. – Where does inhumanity towards the poor come from? - Out of greed. CONVERSATION 78 on John. 16:4–6. 1. Sadness has its benefits. - Against the Doukhobors. – 2. What does it mean: to expose “about sin, about truth, about judgment.” – 3. Distinction of hypostases, or persons, equality of persons. - Valentinians, Marcionites, Anomeans. – 4. The power of unity and agreement. - The superiority of philanthropy. – Philanthropy is strengthened by prayer and the practice of St. mysteries, church edifications. CONVERSATION 79 on John. 16:16–18. 1. Consolation to the students. – 2. They receive from the Father everything that they ask in the name of the Son. – 3–5. How can you conquer the world? – Death does not make a person mortal, but victory makes him immortal. – Comparison of resurrection with birth. – The decay of the body does not prevent the resurrection. - Against vindictiveness. - An exhortation to almsgiving. CONVERSATION 80 on John. 17:1. 1. Refutation of the Arians and Anomians who condemned the deity of Jesus Christ. – 2. The Son of God is one with the Father. – 3. We can share in the glory of Jesus Christ according to our ability, according to our faith and works. The goods we possess are not ours. “We do everything for the body and nothing for the soul.” – As needs increase, the number of servants increases. The master becomes the slave of his servants. – True freedom lies in not needing anyone. CONVERSATION 81 on John. 17:6. 1. More about the equality and consubstantiality of the Son with the Father. – 2. Jesus Christ, adapting to the understanding of his disciples, entrusts them to the care of the Father, as if he himself did not have the opportunity to protect them. – 3. You don’t need to be a child in wisdom. – One must follow the advice of the apostle not only in order to gain understanding, but in order to lead one’s life righteously. – Without listening to heavenly things, most people, like children, are carried away by earthly things. - The sin of covetousness. – What is true wealth? - An exhortation to almsgiving. - The glory and effectiveness of almsgiving. CONVERSATION 82 on John. 17:14. 1. The disciples of Christ are not of this world. – About the equality of the Son with the Father. – 2. Jesus Christ calls his disciples to peace and unity, which are more likely to attract people to them than miracles. – 3. No one knows God except those who know the Son. – 4. Must believe in God and love Him. God gives us opportunities to do good. - Vices of Christians. “They often come to church just to gawk and show themselves off to others. - Cruelty to the poor. – Seeing evil, no one tries to eliminate it; on the contrary, many envy those who do it and are angry that they cannot do the same themselves. CONVERSATION 83 on John. 18:1. 1. The beginning of the Savior's suffering. – 2. Malchus, the wounded ap. Peter and healed by Jesus Christ, is the same servant who struck the Lord on the cheek. - The first renunciation of the ap. Petra. – 3. How weak our nature is when God leaves us. - The second and third renunciation of the apostle. Petra. – 4. Jesus Christ on trial before Pilate. – 5. Must follow the example of Jesus Christ. – A list of insults and torments suffered by the Savior for our sake. - Discussion about the insults caused to us. - Human glory is nothing more than a shadow. – You need to correct your shortcomings little by little, one today, another tomorrow. – As if by steps one must ascend to virtue and perfection. CONVERSATION 84 on John. 18:34. 1. Jesus Christ teaches us patience. – Pilate first tries to free Him. – 2. Fear took possession of Pilate and prompted him to pronounce an unjust sentence. – 3. We must always remember the sufferings of Jesus Christ and constantly reflect on them. “They will serve as the best medicine for all our sorrows and evils.” “We must imitate His meekness and the meekness of His apostles in order to win over those who have offended us. – Anger and lies are from the devil. – Without practicing virtue, life in this world will be useless and harmful to us. – Faith alone, devoid of good deeds, does not open the doors to heaven, but brings condemnation. – You can die every hour and therefore you need to be constantly prepared for this. CONVERSATION 85 on John. 19:16–18. 1. Jesus Christ was crucified between two thieves. – What was the inscription on the cross of Jesus Christ intended for? – 2. Non-sewing clothing. – Why did Jesus Christ entrust his mother to his disciple? – The death of Jesus Christ was not a shame, but a glory. – 4. Fiery love of Mary Magdalene. – 5. Condemnation of the pomp of funeral ceremonies. – The last debt should be paid to the dead, but without excess. – The death of the crucified Jesus shows that death is not death. – The dead must be buried in such a way that it serves the glory of God: generous alms must be distributed. CONVERSATION 86 on John. 20:10–11. 1. Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. – 2. Mary announces him to the apostles. – Why did Jesus Christ appear to his disciples in the evening? – 3. The grace of the Holy Spirit is inexhaustible. – 4. We must try in every possible way to have the Holy Spirit within us and preserve His grace. – The greatness of the dignity and office of priests: one must honor and respect them and help them. “To offend them is to harm yourself.” CONVERSATION 87 on John. 20:24–25. 1. Why did Jesus Christ appear to the ap. Thomas only eight days after the appearance to the other disciples. – Why did Jesus Christ keep the scars of his wounds on his body? – 2. Difference in characters app. Peter and John: the first was lively and ardent, the second more sublime and insightful. – 3 and 4. What a joy to see Jesus Christ in glory! – There is no need to spare anything just to achieve eternal bliss. – Contemplation of future benefits makes present life simple, pleasant and easy. The power of love. - Comparison of love. Paul to Jesus Christ with our love. – The vice of covetousness and ways to combat it. – Incorrect use of earthly goods. CONVERSATION 88 on John. 21:15. 1. Change in mood. Peter after the fall. – Peter as a teacher of the world. – 2. Humility and meekness of St. John. – 3. The good fruits of studying and meditating on the Word of God. – The worries of this age and the blessings of this world are thorns that prick us from all sides. – Spiritual blessings delight the eye. – Even before the heavenly reward, people receive the fruits of good deeds here. – It’s the same with bad deeds: even before hell, they here produce torment of conscience. - Consequences of sin. – The repentance of Ahab, which must be imitated in order to receive forgiveness of sins. – Covetousness destroys the good produced by alms. - The fruits of good deeds. CONVERSATION 89. On the Beheading of the Forerunner and Baptist John and about Herodias. CONVERSATION 91. About the supreme apostles Peter and Paul and their most glorious martyrdom. CONVERSATION 92. About the holy twelve apostles. CONVERSATION 93. About the Holy Apostle Thomas, and against the Arians, and about the one who seized power in Thrace and was captured, and that he was an Arian. CONVERSATION 94. About the Holy First Martyr Stephen. CONVERSATION 95. On the words “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). CONVERSATION 96. On the parable of the prodigal son. CONVERSATION 97. About the dance of Herodias and about the cutting off of the head of the Forerunner and Baptist John. CONVERSATION 98. At the words “the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together a council and said: what should we do?” (John 11:47). On Holy and Great Tuesday. CONVERSATION 99. On the parable of the ten virgins and alms (Matthew 25:1). On Holy and Great Wednesday. CONVERSATION 100. About the harlot and the Pharisee (Luke 7:37). On Holy and Maundy Thursday. CONVERSATION 101. About the Samaritan woman and the words “So He comes to a city of Samaria, called Sychar” (John 4:5). CONVERSATION 102. About zeal and piety and about the man born blind. CONVERSATION 103. A word about false prophets, and false teachers, and heretics, and about the signs of the end of this age. It was said in anticipation of imminent death. CONVERSATION 104. A word about the circus. CONVERSATION 105. To the words “See that you do not do your alms before men” (Matthew 6:1). CONVERSATION 106. At the beginning of the new year and about the martyrs, as well as about the bleeding wife. CONVERSATION 107. Catechetical word on the words of the Gospel: “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard” (Matthew 20:1–16). CONVERSATION 108. Conversation on the parable of the fig tree. CONVERSATION 109. Conversation about the Pharisee. CONVERSATION 110. About Lazarus and the rich man, sixth conversation. CONVERSATION 111. WORD about the publican and the Pharisee. CONVERSATION 112. Conversation about the blind man healed by Christ, and about Zacchaeus, and about judgment, and about alms. CONVERSATION 113. A Word about Saint John the Theologian. CONVERSATION 114. A conversation about Peter's denial, and about the cross, and about how Joseph served as a prototype of Christ. CONVERSATION 115. About the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and the words “We will all appear at the judgment of Christ. And each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Rom. 14:10, 12). CONVERSATION 116. Explanation of the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 4:9-13). CONVERSATION 117. About the prodigal son, about repentance, about the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and about the thief. CONVERSATION 118. About the myrrh-bearing women and the fact that there is no disagreement or contradiction between the evangelists in the story of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. CONVERSATION 119. In response to what was said in the Gospel, what the Jews said about the Savior: “How does He know the Scriptures without studying?” (John 7:15) and the words of the Savior: “But of that day and hour no one knows” (Matthew 24:36). CONVERSATION 120. About the Canaanite woman (Matthew 15) and about Pharaoh and the words: “not from him who wills, nor from him who runs, but from God who shows mercy” (Rom.9:16). CONVERSATION 121. On the words of the apostle “I do not do what I want, but what I hate, that I do” (Rom. 7:15) and about how Jacob was a type of Christ; and at the beginning there is a word against lovers of theatrical spectacles. CONVERSATION 122. At the beginning of the indictment. CONVERSATION 123. About the Honest Cross. CONVERSATION 124. On the Exaltation of the Honest Cross. CONVERSATION 125. About the Holy Apostle Thomas. CONVERSATION 126. On the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ and that every country has angels. CONVERSATION 127. On the Holy First Martyr Stephen. CONVERSATION 128. For the middle week of Lent. CONVERSATION 130. About the Holy Virgin and Mother of God Mary. CONVERSATION 131. Against heretics and about the Holy Mother of God. CONVERSATION 132. About the betrayal (by Judas) of the Savior, etc. CONVERSATION 133. About the robber and the betrayal (by Judas) of our Savior Jesus Christ. CONVERSATION 134. Catechetical Sermon on Holy Pascha. CONVERSATION 135. On Easter 1st. CONVERSATION 136. On Holy Easter 2nd. CONVERSATION 137. About the same subject (about Easter) 3rd. CONVERSATION 138. About the same subject 4th. CONVERSATION 139. About the same subject 5th. CONVERSATION 140. About the same 6th. CONVERSATION 141. On the same Easter, the 7th and last word. CONVERSATION 142. At the Council of Archangels. CONVERSATION 143. About repentance and about Herod and John the Baptist. Conversations on the Acts of the Apostles CONVERSATION 1 (on Acts 1:1-2). The meaning of the book of the Acts of the Apostles. – Why is the Divinity of Christ not clearly stated in Acts? – Why baptism during Chrysostom was not performed on Pentecost. - About those who postpone baptism. – Baptism should not be postponed. CONVERSATION 2 (on Acts 1:6). Against the Manichaeans. CONVERSATION 3 (on Acts 1:12). The position of bishop. - His dignity. CONVERSATION 4 (on Acts 2:1-2). Why did the Holy Spirit descend on Pentecost? – The Holy Spirit descended on those praying. - About the ap. Petre. – Comparison of the apostles with philosophers. CONVERSATION 5 (on Acts 2:14). Flattery should be avoided. – What does “the moon will turn into blood” mean? – What is the true benefit of a bishop? – Christ established new laws. CONVERSATION 6 (on Acts 2:22). Dignity of Peter. – What does it mean to love Christ? – What is the difference between a gentle soul? – Harm caused by anger. CONVERSATION 7 (on Acts 2:37). Meekness is a great blessing. The wicked is his own enemy. CONVERSATION 8 (on Acts 3:1). Peter did not seek glory. – Virtue is always useful. – Sins are like thorns. – The firmness of the saint’s spirit. – A crowd that does not fulfill the will of God is worth nothing. CONVERSATION 9 (on Acts 3:12). The speaker's humility greatly benefits the listener. - The properties of Peter's speech. – God even directs evil deeds to good. - Against the use of an oath. CONVERSATION 10 (on Acts 4:1). The power of Petrova's speech. - The valor of the apostles. - Peter's firmness. - The vanity of spectacles. - Against the oath. CONVERSATION 11 (on Acts 4:23). Signs of the resurrection. – Wealth, the population of Constantinople and alms. - Against the oath. CONVERSATION 12 (on Acts 4:36–37). What opposites did the life of the apostles consist of? – About the sacrileges of Chrysostom’s time. – The amazing life of the first Christians. “Those who sin a lot should fear a lot.” CONVERSATION 13 (on Acts 5:17–18). The joy of those who suffer for Christ. – Poverty is a reliable protection. - Against the oath. CONVERSATION 14 (on Acts 5:34). What is daily service? – When did the name of elders and deacons appear? – Love and mercy towards enemies. - No one can offend us except ourselves. CONVERSATION 15 (on Acts 6:8). At the ordination the Holy Spirit descends. - How to tame anger. - Anger is shameful. CONVERSATION 16 (on Acts 7:6–7). Pre-depiction of the Resurrection in the Old Testament. - Divine Providence. - Sorrow is good. - What is real joy? - Voluptuousness is a burden for the soul. CONVERSATION 17 (on Acts 7:35). The madness of the Jews. CONVERSATION 18 (on Acts 7:54). Why those baptized by Philip did not receive the Holy Spirit. - The wickedness of Simon. – What benefits were received from the death of Stefan. – Churches in villages. CONVERSATION 19 (on Acts 8:26–27). The prudence of a eunuch. – Why Paul’s conversion occurred after the resurrection of Christ. CONVERSATION 20 (on Acts 9:10–12). A Christian should be concerned about the salvation of others. CONVERSATION 21 (on Acts 9:26–27). Reconciling the sayings of Paul. – Peter’s visit to the believers. – Peter’s meekness and humility. - Almsgiving benefits the dead. - Offering for the dead. CONVERSATION 22 (on Acts 10:1–4). About alms. CONVERSATION 23 (on Acts 10:23–24). God is not the cause of sins. – There is no need to postpone baptisms. CONVERSATION 24 (on Acts 10:44–46). Repentance is a great medicine. – Of the many inhabitants of Constantinople, no more than 100 are saved. - Against theatrical spectacles. CONVERSATION 25 (on Acts 11:19). Why did the famine happen? - Every sin is cleansed by alms. – Types of alms. CONVERSATION 26 (on Acts 12:1-3). Sorrow is a great blessing. - You need to stay awake. – Prayer destroys sins. CONVERSATION 27 (on Acts 12:18–19). The meaning of the post. - The harm of voluptuousness. CONVERSATION 28 (on Acts 13:4–5). About how sometimes passion is overcome by passion. - What kind of glory should you seek? - A way to curb passions. CONVERSATION 29 (on Acts 13:16–17). Piety alone is a praise for the church. – Medicine against vice must be drawn from Scripture. CONVERSATION 30 (on Acts 13:42). Praise of humility. – You need to teach more with deeds than with words. – How to treat applause. CONVERSATION 31 (on Acts 14:14–15). Paul's jealousy. - About enduring insults. – Image of an angry person. CONVERSATION 32 (on Acts 14:28, 15:1). Anger must be avoided. – How pride is cured and where it comes from. CONVERSATION 33 (on Acts 15:13–15). The Church is alien to arrogance. – There is no good without an admixture of evil. CONVERSATION 34 (on Acts 15:35–36). About the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. – Distinction between visions and dreams. - The wisdom of dumb animals. “The most important thing is to decorate the soul.” CONVERSATION 35 (on Acts 16:13–14). Paul is a Judaizer. – Lydia’s love of wisdom and humility. “There is nothing more useless than idleness.” - A luxurious table is reprehensible. CONVERSATION 36 (on Acts 16:25–26). You need to pray at night. – About the true calling of God. CONVERSATION 37 (on Acts 17:1–3). Why did Paul enter the synagogues? – There are a lot of thin people in a big city. CONVERSATION 38 (on Acts 17:16–17). What temptations Paul endured from the Jews and how he was alien to pride. – How should we understand the words “To the Unknown God”. – The case of the sick youth and the forbidden books. CONVERSATION 39 (on Acts 17:32–33). Why was Paul taken to Rome in chains? - Meekness is praiseworthy. – The one who insults is subject to greater condemnation than the one being insulted. CONVERSATION 40 (on Acts 18:18). Advantages of Christ's baptism over John's. – The meaning of love. – Actions of love. CONVERSATION 41 (on Acts 19:8). Why did Paul often enter synagogues? - Blinding of the Jews. – Earthquake in Constantinople. – Sin is fiercer than a demon. - The case of the found treasure. CONVERSATION 42 (on Acts 19:21–23). The influence of grief. – Comparison of the house of those who feast at marriage with the house of those who mourn. -What is a person? - Comparison of prison with spectacles. CONVERSATION 43 (on Acts 20:1). We must endure everything for our brothers. – The longer the reward is delayed, the greater the gift. CONVERSATION 44 (on Acts 20:11–27) Paul's humility. – The saint’s care for his flock. CONVERSATION 45 (on Acts 20:32). Salvation is achieved by grace. - Travels of Pavel. - The virtue of curiosity. - Properties of strangeness. – You need to take care of your family. CONVERSATION 46 (on Acts 21:18–19). The seductions of the Magi served to further glorify the apostolic miracles. - Jewish sects. - The case of the announcement of the young woman. CONVERSATION 47 (on Acts 21:39–40). Paul's speech in chains. – Against self-interested people and predators. – Harmful consequences of wicked living. CONVERSATION 48 (on Acts 22:17–20). Encouragement to meekness. - True generosity. - Call for alms. CONVERSATION 49 (on Acts 23:6–8). Paul's firmness. – Which wife should you choose? CONVERSATION 50 (on Acts 23:31–33). How to endure insults. - How to seek reconciliation. CONVERSATION 51 (on Acts 24:22–23). The courage of Paul's speech. - No one can harm us except ourselves. CONVERSATION 52 (on Acts 25:23). The blessings of believers. – There is no need to strive for people to be afraid of us. – Virtue is a great good. CONVERSATION 53 (on Acts 26:30–32). Wisdom of Paul. - Faith is a reliable haven. CONVERSATION 54 (on Acts 28:2–3). Temptations serve for great good. - Benefit from disasters. CONVERSATION 55 (on Acts 28:17–20). Paul's foresight and wisdom. Discourses on the Epistle to the Romans PREFACE. Disasters that come from ignorance of the Scriptures. – The Epistles of Paul in order of time. – Incentives to write. DISCUSSION I to Rom. 1:1–2. Sanctification from love. – Dignity acquired with money is not dignity in the proper sense. DISCUSSION II on Rom. 1:8. When to thank God. – Grace does not exclude reward for actions of good will. – Pavel’s modesty. – There is no need to examine the reasons for divine commands. DISCUSSION III on Rom. 1:18. Misconceptions are many, but the truth is one. – Nature itself preaches the Creator. - Against pagan philosophers. - Insults are useful to those who endure them patiently. CONVERSATION IV on Rom. 1:26–27. Unnatural lusts are the most serious sin. - Misuse of wealth is disastrous. DISCUSSION V to Rom. 1:28. About punishments for sins. - About the resurrection of bodies. “We must fear the future judgment.” – Offending God is harder than being punished. DISCUSSION VI to Rom. 2:17–18. Which circumcision - moral or carnal - is more valid? – Predation and extortion are tantamount to idolatry. DISCUSSION VII on Rom. 3:9–19. On justification apart from the law. – God’s providence extends to everyone. – Love is the mother of all blessings. – Envy is more fatal than any war. – It is not the abundance of the gift that is important, but the mood that accompanies it. – What kind of inheritance should be left to children? - Good use of wealth. CONVERSATION VIII on Rom. 4:1–2. The importance and necessity of faith. – Abraham believed with the hope of God beyond human hope. - The great power of faith. – We must prefer love to all signs. CONVERSATION IX on Rom. 4:23–24. Proof of the resurrection of Christ. – Deeds for Christ bring pleasure. – The gift of the Holy Spirit is the greatest blessing. “There is no harm in being punished for a sinner.” – We must endure sorrows, giving praise to the Lord. CONVERSATION X on Rom. 5:12. Righteousness is the root of life. – Because of the law, sin increased. – Sin weakens the soul. – What kind of love Christ demands from us. – Suffering for Christ brings the greatest benefit. CONVERSATION XI on Rom. 6:5. Various types of death. - The harm of selfishness. CONVERSATION XII on Rom. 6:19. Perfection of the Christian Life. – What is natural cannot be canceled. – Vice ends in death, virtue in life. - The evil of covetousness. - How to eradicate vices. “It’s up to us not to tolerate evil.” CONVERSATION XIII Rom. 7:14. About renewal by the grace of the Spirit. – Where the Spirit is, there is Christ. – It is necessary to mortify the body in the sense of inclinations to vicious deeds. - He who is subject to sins does not live. – Against drunkenness and addiction to money. CONVERSATION XIV on Rom. 8:12–13. Inspirations for spiritual life. – Spirit of adoption. - Reliability of reward. – Grace accompanies and helps in labors and dangers. - You need to be merciful. – The greatness of the future life compared to the royal splendor. CONVERSATION XV on Rom. 8:28. An abundance of grace-filled gifts. – Election is a sign of virtue. – There is no need to be afraid of temptations. – Paul’s love for Christ. – Commitment to earthly objects is incompatible with love for Christ. – Almsgiving is required by love for Christ. CONVERSATION XVI on Rom. 9:1. In what sense did Paul wish to be excommunicated from Christ? - Judgments of some about the apostle. Pavle. – The true seed of Abraham. - Everyone is called, but not everyone comes to the call. – There is no need to demand an account from God. – God does not take away free will. - In what does the glory of God primarily consist? CONVERSATION XVII on Rom. 10:1. What is true righteousness? - About the vice of vanity. CONVERSATION XVIII on Rom. 10:14–15. Resolution of Jewish Objections. – Paul’s great dignity. – What kind of wills are good for the soul. CONVERSATION XIX on Rom. 11:7. Why disasters befell the Jews. – What is true wealth? – Neither the virtues nor the vices of ancestors matter to descendants. - Call for alms. CONVERSATION XX to Rom. 12:1. How does our body serve as a sacrifice? - There is nothing weaker than vice. – Humility is the mother of blessings. – The harm of arrogance. CONVERSATION XXI on Rom. 12:4–5. Alms should be given willingly. – Its value depends on the mood. – How one should fulfill the duty of welcoming strangers. CONVERSATION XXII on Rom. 12:14 . Arrogance is a source of discord. – You need to endure grievances patiently. CONVERSATION XXIII on Rom. 13:1. About obedience. - How to love God. CONVERSATION XXIV on Rom. 13:11. Wine fuels lust and anger. - How to organize feasts. CONVERSATION XXV on Rom. 14:1–2. About eating food. – Why does God punish some and not others? CONVERSATION XXVI on Rom. 14:14. The real reason for the desecration. – The power of a good or bad example. CONVERSATION XXVII on Rom. 14:24–26. Faith requires obedience, not investigation. – You need to love your enemies too. CONVERSATION XXVIII on Rom. 15:8. About calling and salvation. CONVERSATION XXIX on Rom. 15:14. Humility of the Ap. Pavel. – Examples of philanthropy. CONVERSATION XXX on Rom. 15:25–27. Praise of Priscilla. – Priscilla is a model for us. - You need to read the message of the apostle. Paul and other priests. books. CONVERSATION XXXI on Rom. 16:5. Works of the ap. Pavel. – Where will Gehenna be? CONVERSATION XXXII on Rom. 16:17–18. The leniency of the admonitions of St. Pavel. - Disagreements on dogmas. – The inseparability of prayer from deeds. Discourses on the First Epistle to the Corinthians CONTENTS OF THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS. CONVERSATION FIRST. On 1 Cor. 1:1–3. Paul's humility. - Unity of the church. – We must seek grace from God, not from people. – The meaning of humility. CONVERSATION SECOND. On 1 Cor. 1:4–5. We need to thank God. - Disobedience to God's call. - No one is good or evil by nature. CONVERSATION THREE. On 1 Corinthians 1:10. Reproof should be gradual and moderate. – Pavel does not consider himself preferable to Peter. – Dispute about Paul and Plato. - Wonderful victory of the apostles. – You need to win more with life than with philosophy. CONVERSATION FOUR. On 1 Corinthians 1:18–20. Objects of faith are higher than the judgments of reason. – Actions of Christ performed in ways contrary to actions. – Socrates was forced to drink poison from hemlock. - The suffering of martyrs. - Protagoras, Diagoras and Theodore the Atheist. – Condescension is necessary towards pagans, as towards children. CONVERSATION FIFTH. On 1 Corinthians 1:26–27. With the help of God's grace, the apostles converted the universe. - Against theatrical spectacles. CONVERSATION SIX. On 1 Cor. 2:1–2. You don't need worldly wisdom to preach. - Faith and signs. – Why doesn’t everyone believe now? CONVERSATION SEVEN. On 1 Cor. 2:6–7. The wisdom of the philosophers has become madness. – Many of the sacred books have been lost. – The teachings of Christ are confirmed by miracles and the fulfillment of what He predicted. CONVERSATION EIGHT. On 1 Cor. 3:1–3. The one who performs signs can also be carnal. – You should never despair of salvation. CONVERSATION NINE. On 1 Cor. 3:12–15. The torment of sinners has no end. – Depiction of sin in general and greed in particular. CONVERSATION TENTH. On 1 Cor. 3:18–19. Paul's method of denouncing the incestuous man. – Condemnation of external wisdom. —Censure of the pride of priests. - How to use wealth. CONVERSATION ELEVENTH. On 1 Cor.4:3–4. You should not judge your neighbors. – Human judgment is wrong. – Adultery darkens the soul. – The addiction to money gives rise to great evil. CONVERSATION TWELVE. On 1 Cor.4:4–6. Damage from pride. - Wisdom of Paul. – You should not seek praise from people, but from God. – The reprehensibility of theatrical shows, horse races and animal baiting. – Condemnation of wedding customs. – Superstitious dressings, rattles and various prejudices. CONVERSATION THIRTEEN. On 1 Corinthians 4:10. About imitation of Christ. – Images of Paul and his virtues. – Wealth, when used well, does not constitute a sin. CONVERSATION FOURTEEN. On 1 Corinthians 4:17. Pavel is more fiery than fire. - How is it possible to acquire the Kingdom of Heaven? – Virtue is never hard. - Disasters caused by the passion for money. CONVERSATION FIFTEEN. On 1 Cor. 5:1–2. How Paul deals with an obvious adulterer. – For a Christian, every time is a holiday. - Wisdom of Paul. – In what sense is covetousness an old leaven? - The good fruits of almsgiving. CONVERSATION SIXTEEN. On 1 Corinthians 5:9–11. On evading pagan courts. – The passion for money distorts everything. - About enduring insults and grievances. “Whoever does not give alms to the poor goes to Gehenna.” CONVERSATION SEVENTEEN. On 1 Corinthians 6:12. Proof of the Truth of the Resurrection. - Where is the cause of sin? CONVERSATION EIGHTEEN. On 1 Corinthians 6:15. A person has the opportunity not to sin. CONVERSATION NINETEENTH. On 1 Corinthians 7:1–2. About the rights of marriage. – In relation to Christ, slave and free are equal. – The harmful consequences of envy. CONVERSATION TWENTY. On 1 Corinthians 8:1. About the eating of idol sacrifices. - Human splendor is insignificant. CONVERSATION TWENTY-ONE. On 1 Corinthians 9:1. Why does Paul praise himself? - Wisdom of Paul. - Against money lovers. - You need to give alms generously. - Using church property for the needs of the poor. CONVERSATION TWENTY-TWO. On 1 Cor.9:13–14. What Paul did to save others. – Vicious passion is short-lived, but the grief it causes is long-lasting. CONVERSATION TWENTY-THREE. On 1 Corinthians 9:24. One should not despair of deeds of virtue because of the difficulty of the matter. – The punishments from beyond the grave will be eternal. – The power of repentance in the present life and its uselessness in the future. CONVERSATION TWENTY-FOUR. On 1 Corinthians 10:13. The power of temptation. – The holiness and integrity of the Body of Christ. CONVERSATION TWENTY-FIVE. On 1 Corinthians 10:25. A feat is not great if it does not benefit others. – The greatness of Pavlova’s soul. CONVERSATION TWENTY-SIX. On 1 Corinthians 11:2. What is proper for husbands and wives. – The husband should perform feats of wisdom without waiting for the wife to begin first, and the wife should also perform them without waiting for the husband to begin first. “Beating your wife is shameful.” – Saying of the philosopher (Socrates) about an evil wife. CONVERSATION TWENTY-SEVEN. On 1 Corinthians 11:17. About gatherings to eat food and the Lord's Supper. – Obligation to share meals with the poor. CONVERSATION TWENTY-EIGHT. On 1 Corinthians 11:28. The communicant needs purity of conscience. - Moral instruction. – We must avoid excessive lamentation about the dead. - Job's example. CONVERSATION TWENTY-NINE. On 1 Corinthians 12:1–2. About the dates of the Holy Spirit, which served as a reason for disagreement. - Against the Doukhobors. – There is no need to be inquisitive about God’s distribution of goods. – Material goods are fleeting. CONVERSATION THIRTY. On 1 Corinthians 12:12. Comparing the church to the human body. - Widows in the church. – Money should be neglected. CONVERSATION THIRTY-ONE. On 1 Corinthians 12:21. The need for consent and the danger of hostility. – Nothing produces such division as envy. CONVERSATION THIRTY-TWO. On 1 Corinthians 12:27. There were more prophets in the Church of Christ than in the Old Testament. – Gifts of grace without love and a good life are of no use. – Love is free from all evil. – Paul was sometimes forced to boast. CONVERSATION THIRTY-THREE. On 1 Corinthians 13:4. The meaning of love. – The devil’s job is to tear people away from each other. – Love overcomes everything. CONVERSATION THIRTY-FOUR. On 1 Corinthians 13:8. Love removes all evils. - Praise of love. – Benefit received from the poor. – Origin of wealth and poverty. CONVERSATION THIRTY-FIVE. On 1 Corinthians 14:1. The gift of prophecy takes precedence over the gift of tongues. – Why did the gift of tongues exist? - The power of vanity. – Vanity is like a wild animal. - Praise of Paul. – How a Christian should treat material goods. - A method of healing the soul. - The plight of the rich. CONVERSATION THIRTY-SIX. On 1 Corinthians 14:20. About the gift of tongues. – Alms are the best decoration. - Vanity of wealth. CONVERSATION THIRTY-SEVEN. On 1 Corinthians 14:34. The correct order must always be observable. - The disease of love of money. – The pleasure of chastity. CONVERSATION THIRTY-EIGHT. On 1 Corinthians 15:1–2. Against the Manichaeans. - Paul's humility. – Advantages of poverty. CONVERSATION THIRTY-NINE. On 1 Corinthians 15:11. Proof of the Resurrection. - Lack of rain in Antioch. – Reckless cruelty of self-interested people. - The bad consequences of luxury. CONVERSATION FORTY. On 1 Corinthians 15:29. Rites of the Marcionites. - Denunciation of intemperate life. - Fragility of acquisitions. – The fruit of luxury is rot. “Having many servants is frowned upon.” – Against servants walking around with a crowd. CONVERSATION FORTY-ONE. On 1 Corinthians 15:35. Against heretics who claim that another body will rise. – We should not mourn the dead unnecessarily, but help them with prayers and good deeds. CONVERSATION FORTY-TWO. On 1 Corinthians 15:47. The state of bodies after the resurrection. - A call for correction. CONVERSATION FORTY-THREE. On 1 Corinthians 16:1. About alms. CONVERSATION FORTY-FOUR. On 1 Corinthians 16:10. Evil that comes from arrogance. - How to achieve the correction of the brethren. Discourses on 2 Corinthians 1. FIRST CONVERSATION on 2 Corinthians 1:1–4. Why did the apostle write the second letter to the Corinthians? – Pavlovo’s humility. – God always consoles. - How to act in sorrows. 2. SECOND CONVERSATION on 2 Cor.1:6–7. The virtue of the righteous shines and increases in sorrows. - The power of prayer. – Prayers for the catechumens. – The nature of sin. 3. CONVERSATION THREE on 2 Corinthians 1:12. The comfort that comes from a clear conscience. - The immutability of God's promises. – Faith and virtue of Abraham. - His hardness. 4. CONVERSATION FOUR on 2 Corinthians 1:23. Wisdom of Paul. – His love for his students. - A sign of good students. - Ways to cleanse sins. 5. DISCUSSION FIFTH on 2 Cor.1:12–13. The greatest virtue is to attribute everything to God. - No one can hide from the eyes of God. – There is no need to pray for the death of enemies. – Curses against enemies are funny. 6. DISCUSSION SIX on 2 Cor. 3:1. What is the life of the soul? “It is a great evil to speak shamefully and disgracefully.” 7. CONVERSATION SEVEN on 2 Cor.3:7–8. How does the law cause death? – The law ended with Christ. – The Holy Spirit is equal in dignity to the Father. – Real life is like a storm. - A way to eradicate lust. 8. CONVERSATION EIGHT on 2 Cor.4:1. The error of the Marcionites and Manichaeans. - How the apostles conquered the universe. 9. CONVERSATION NINE on 2 Cor.4:8. Benefits from temptations. – The Resurrection of Christ confirms the general resurrection. – Proof of the future Last Judgment 10. CONVERSATION TENTH on 2 Cor.5:1. The doctrine of the resurrection. – Image of the Last Judgment. 11. CONVERSATION ELEVEN on 2 Cor.5:11. How everything became new for Christians. – The dignity of the apostles. - The greatness of the atoning sacrifice. 12. CONVERSATION TWELVE on 2 Cor.6:1–2. Grace does not lead to salvation if there is no pure life. – What is true wealth? - The poor are happier than the rich. 13. CONVERSATION THIRTEEN on 2 Cor.6:11–12. Paul's love for everyone. - His prudence and humility. – Alms should not be done for show. – In matters pertaining to salvation, the poor have priority over the rich. 14. CONVERSATION FOURTEEN on 2 Cor.7:2–3. Pavlovo's prudence. - How to treat brothers who sin. 15. CONVERSATION FIFTEEN on 2 Cor.7:8. Sadness about sins is useful. – A boss needs love for his subordinates. – Amaxovii, nomads and gymnosophists. - Properties of church authorities, their superiority over civil ones. 16. CONVERSATION SIXTEEN on 2 Cor.7:13. Praise for Titus. - An exhortation to mercy. “Giving alms is more important than raising the dead.” 17. CONVERSATION SEVENTEEN on 2 Cor.8:7. Wisdom of Paul. – There is no shame in needing help from your neighbor. - How you should treat your neighbors. 18. CONVERSATION EIGHTEEN on 2 Cor.8:16. Who is meant by brother, “his praise is in the Gospel.” - Praise to Pavel. – Why did Moses accept the advice of his father-in-law? 19. CONVERSATION NINETEENTH on 2 Cor.9:1. About generous alms. 20. CONVERSATION TWENTIETH on 2 Cor.9:10. Not just any alms are needed, but generous ones. – Comparison of alms with a sacrifice, and those to whom it is given, with an altar. 21. CONVERSATION TWENTY-ONE on 2 Corinthians 10:1-2. Teacher's duty. – We need to imitate Pavel. – Heresy of Marcion and Manichaeus. 22. CONVERSATION TWENTY-TWO on 2 Cor.9:1. There is nothing more disgusting than when someone praises himself. - How some blamed Paul and how he justified himself. 23. CONVERSATION TWENTY-THREE on 2 Corinthians 11:1. Why does Paul talk about himself in different ways? – Why is covetousness called the root of all evil? 24. CONVERSATION TWENTY-FOUR on 2 Corinthians 11:13. Doing something just for show means doing it like a devil. - Harm from envy. 25. CONVERSATION TWENTY-FIVE. Brilliant exploits of Paul. 26. CONVERSATION TWENTY-SIX on 2 Corinthians 12:1. Self-praise does no good. – As suffering for Christ increases, consolation also increases. - Alexander, recognized as the thirteenth god by the Senate. – The tombs of the martyrs are more brilliant than the royal palaces. 27. CONVERSATION TWENTY-SEVEN 2Cor.12:11. The apostle praises himself for the salvation of his disciples. – The versatility of apostolic love. “There is nothing more useless than a person who does not know how to love.” – Envy is an unbearable evil. 28. CONVERSATION TWENTY-EIGHT 2Cor.12:16–18. Protection from suspicions of greed. – The teacher sympathizes with the misfortunes of the students. – Virtue is terrible for its opponents. 29. CONVERSATION TWENTY-NINE on 2 Corinthians 13:1. Various types of infirmity. - Praise of Paul. - How fame is achieved. 30. CONVERSATION THIRTY on 2 Corinthians 13:10. The Holy Spirit is consubstantial with the Father and the Son. Commentary on Galatians 1. CHAPTER ONE on Gal.1:1-3. The Motivation for Paul to Write His Letter. – Paul was called by Christ himself. – The authority of the Son and the Holy Spirit is one and the same. – Resolution of the objections of the Anomeans. - Against the Anomeans and Arians. - Against Judaizing Christians. – The question of whether Christians should be circumcised. - Paul's humility. 2. CHAPTER TWO. How do false apostles differ from true ones? – Why did Paul circumcise Timothy? - Paul's prudence. - About the competition between Paul and Peter. – Against Christians who observe the Old Law. 3. CHAPTER THREE. It is crazy to abandon faith and turn to the law again. – Refutation of objections in favor of retention of law. - Against the Anomeans. 4. CHAPTER FOUR. Against the observance of Jewish holidays and the New Moon. – The tenderness of Pavlova’s soul. – It is unreasonable, contrary to the prototypes, to subject oneself to the yoke of slavery. 5. CHAPTER FIVE. Against those who are circumcised. - Instead of the law, the yoke of love. - The easiest path to virtue. – Why are good deeds called the fruit of the spirit? 6. CHAPTER SIX. Responsibility of the teacher. – Paul dictated epistles and wrote others, except for the epistle to the Galatians. - The power of the cross. Creations attributed to St. John Chrysostom and in the Patrology of Min, classified as Spuria 1. Love according to God is a deed worthy of God. 2. To the words “even if you are a son.” 3. About the betrayal of Judas and the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. On Great Friday. 4. To the words “He remembered God and rejoiced.” 6. About Herod and the babies. 7. About Martha, Mary and Lazarus and Elijah the prophet. 8. To the words “The Pharisees went out and had a council against Him, how to destroy Him” (Matthew 12:14). 10. On the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. 11. At the Transfiguration of the Savior. 13. Praise to Saint John the Theologian. 14. About Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist Theologian. 18. About the Pharisee and the harlot. Said on Holy and Maundy Thursday. 19. About the three-day Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. 20. For Christmas. 21. On the words “The Lord entered the church at half-time of the feast” (John 7:14) and about Melchizedek. At Midsummer. 23. About the Samaritan woman. On the day of Midsummer. 24. About the sinful wife who anointed the Lord with ointment, and about the Pharisee. On Holy and Maundy Thursday. 25. To the words “My Father! if possible, let this cup pass from Me.” 26. To the parable in the Gospel of Luke, which says: “A certain man went down from Jericho to Jerusalem” (Luke 10:30). 27. On the birth of Saint John the Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist. 28. On Holy Epiphany. 29. On the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. 32. To the words “the sower went out to sow.” 33. About the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and about alms. 34. The word about the paralytic on the day of Midsummer and the words “do not judge by appearance” (John 5:5; 7:24). 35. On the Gospel of Luke, about the drachma and on the words “a certain man had two sons” (Luke 15:11). 36. About the fact that he who has some kind of grace of knowledge should pass on to the needy, and about the presbyter. 37. To the parable of the unjust steward and that nothing is ours (Luke 16:1–9). 40. Against the Jews about the brass serpent and in response to the words “he gave Him the name that is above every name” (Phil. 2:9), and also “because he could not swear by anyone higher, he swore by himself” (Heb. 6:13). Commentary on the Epistle to the Ephesians CONVERSATION 1 on Eph. 1:1–2. What is required for holiness. – Kindness is the source of grace. CONVERSATION 2 on Eph. 1:11–14. Why is preaching called the gospel of salvation? – Sin is not a matter of necessity. – Virtue agrees with nature, and vice is contrary to nature. - No vows are needed. - Covetousness is useless. CONVERSATION 3 on Eph. 1:15–20. To what height did the Lord raise man? – Deprivation of the Kingdom of Heaven is worse than Gehenna. – How and at what time you need to start communion of the Body of Christ. CONVERSATION 4 on Eph. 2:1–3. Refutation of the Manichaeans. – Without mercy you cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven. CONVERSATION 5 on Eph. 2:11–12. What does carnal wisdom mean? CONVERSATION 6 on Eph. 2:17–22. About the valor of the ap. Pavel. CONVERSATION 7 on Eph. 3:8–11. The abundance of humility of the ap. Pavel. - How one should love one's enemies. CONVERSATION 8 on Eph. 4:1. To be a prisoner for Christ is more glorious than to sit at His right hand. – Suffering for Christ is higher than all blessings. - About the guard of the prison in which Paul was imprisoned. - Why did God allow those who guarded Peter in prison to perish? – Shackles and suffering served to glorify Paul. - Against those obsessed with greed and covetousness. - About three youths. CONVERSATION 9 on Eph. 4:1–4. The high dignity of Paul emerging from prison. – What does it mean to be worthy of the title? - About love. – Mystery is a consequence of the cooling of love. CONVERSATION 10 on Eph. 4:4. The destructiveness of vanity. CONVERSATION 11 on Eph. 4:4–7. Why in the church does one receive more and the other receive less? – Humility is necessary for the unity of the body of the Church. – The bishop was appointed to teach by word. – Causing divisions in the church is no less evil than falling into heresies. CONVERSATION 12 on Eph. 4:17. Money is vain when it is wasted on pleasure. - Against fire worshipers. – Against belief in fate and in the transmigration of souls. CONVERSATION 13 on Ephesus. 4:17–19. What is meant by uncleanness? - Who can be considered righteous? – About monks and virgins devoting themselves to Christ. – Virtues and vices of women. CONVERSATION 14 on Eph. 4:25–27. The bad consequences of enmity and the way to curb it. - How to lift your tongue. - Harm from slander. CONVERSATION 15 on Eph. 4:31. You should refrain from shouting, swearing and beating. CONVERSATION 16 on Eph. 4:31–32. Virtue must be inculcated and vices eradicated. – The best revenge is repaying good for evil. CONVERSATION 17 on Eph. 4:32; 5:1–2. Voluptuousness is a lesser evil than anger. CONVERSATION 18 on Eph. 5:5–6. Covetousness is idolatry. - You need to correct your neighbor. CONVERSATION 19 on Eph. 5:15–17. What is the wickedness of the day? – You need to thank God even in misfortune. – The causes of many natural things are unknown. – Regarding divine objects, inquisitiveness is inappropriate. – What is the true motivation for obedience? CONVERSATION 20 on Eph. 5:22–24. Happy husband and wife who love each other. - The power of love. – What to look for in a wife. - Good qualities of a wife. – Marital union is a symbol of our unity with Christ. – You need to be lenient towards your wife’s shortcomings. - What should a husband do in relation to his wife? – Advice for poor spouses. – How to arrange a home and family. – The true virtues of a young girl. – What kind of wives should you choose and how to treat them. CONVERSATION 21 on Eph. 6:1–3. Vices at the royal court. - Praise of the monk Julian. – Under what conditions is wealth harmful? CONVERSATION 22 on Eph. 6:5–8. About the duties of servants. – The division into masters and slaves occurred as a result of sin. – Sinful acts in Scripture are sometimes called peace. – Wealth and honors are the weapons of the devil. CONVERSATION 23 on Eph. 6:14. Heretical teachings about matter. – He who gathers treasures on earth prepares food for the eternal worm. CONVERSATION 24 on Eph. 6:14–17. What is a Christian's weapon and with whom should he fight? – About Anna, mother of Samuel. INTERPRETATION ON THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS CONVERSATION 1 on Phil. 1:1–2. At first the titles of bishop, presbyter and deacon were common. – When performing virtue, God acts and we act together with God. - Inducement to give alms. CONVERSATION 2 on Phil. 1:8–11. Love and friendship should be reasonable. – Where does envy come from? - The burden of wealth. CONVERSATION 3 on Phil. 1:18–20. Love and firmness ap. Pavel. - Childbirth. - Lyubomudie ap. Pavel. -Which of the dead needs to be mourned? – Commemoration of the dead during the performance of the sacraments. CONVERSATION 4 on Phil. 1:22–26. Praise ap. Pavel. “There is nothing more pleasing to God than alms.” CONVERSATION 5 on Phil. 2:1–4. About bearing grievances. “There is nothing more alien to the Christian soul than pride.” CONVERSATION 6 on Phil. 2:5–8. Refutation of the errors of Savelius, Marion, Marcellus, Photinus, Sophronius and Arius. CONVERSATION 7 on Phil. 2:5–11. Against the Marcionites and Paul of Samosata. – We do not honor Christ worthily if we do not imitate Him in life. – A Christian deserves humility. CONVERSATION 8 on Phil. 2:12–16. About the fear of God. - There is no need to grumble. CONVERSATION 9 on Phil. 2:19–21. Those who served Pavel. - Must serve the saints. - An exhortation to give alms. CONVERSATION 10 on Phil. 3:1–3. Circumcision is carnal and spiritual. – The love of money is unprofitable. - Against luxury. - Poverty is the guarantee of the kingdom. CONVERSATION 11 on Phil. 3:7–10. What is the true gain for a Christian? – Sin removes you from God, virtue brings you closer. CONVERSATION 12 on Phil. 3:13–14. We need to strive for improvement. – Responsibilities of teacher and student. “There is nothing superior to virtue.” CONVERSATION 13 on Phil. 3:18–21. The sign of the cross in baptism and ordination. CONVERSATION 14 on Phil. 4:4–7. About forgetfulness of malice. CONVERSATION 15 on Phil. 4:10–14. Alms were introduced not for those who receive, but for those who give. - Humility of the Ap. Pavel. - The benefits of grief. - Troubles of kings. INTERPRETATION ON THE EPISTLE TO COLOSSIANS CONVERSATION 1 on Col. 1:1–2. Time of writing and content of the message. - Various types of friendship. – Contrasting a meal for the rich with a meal for the poor. - Description of a luxurious feast. - The evil of satiety. CONVERSATION 2 on Col. 1:9–10. The calling into the Kingdom of the Son of God is the greatest good. – Real life is like a bird's nest. – Earthquakes and destruction of cities. – Refutation of the doctrine of fate. CONVERSATION 3 on Col. 1:15–18. About the dignity of the Son of God and the fact that He is not created. – Pavel Samosatsky and his followers. CONVERSATION 4 on Col. 1:21–22. Praise be to Moses. – Why did Christ come into the world later than him? CONVERSATION 5 on Col. 1:26–28. The mystery of the incarnation and its consequences. - Against those who reject the resurrection. CONVERSATION 6 on Col. 2:6–7. Superstitious observations of days. - About the destroyed manuscript. CONVERSATION 7 on Col. 2:16–19. About ritual decrees. – In baptism there is both birth and decay. – The vanity of wealth and the dishonor it sometimes causes. - The anger of Emperor Theodosius against the Antiochians. - Condemnation of luxury. CONVERSATION 8 on Col. 3:5–7. All good deeds without love are insignificant. – You should always thank God. - Magic bandages. -Why did the miracles stop? - Against superstitions. CONVERSATION 9 on Col. 3:16–17. How can you show gratitude to God? - You should read St. Scripture. CONVERSATION 10 on Col. 3:18–25, 4:1. About the relationships between husbands, wives, parents, children, masters and servants. An example of the prayer of one removed husband. - Bonds are not a hindrance to preaching. In praise of Pavlov's bonds. – Against excess in women's jewelry. CONVERSATION 11 Col. 4:5–6. Modesty ap. Pavel. - How to deal with enemies. – An envious person rebels against God and the Church. CONVERSATION 12 on Col. 4:12–13. Paul is an example of all virtues. – Depraved women at wedding celebrations. – What marriages should be like. INTERPRETATION ON THE 1ST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS (These conversations were delivered by the saint in Constantinople in 399) CONVERSATION 1 on 1 Thess. 1–3. About the need to stay awake. – Under what conditions are prayers useful? CONVERSATION 2 on 1 Thess. 1:8–10. About Alexander the Great. - The feat of a preacher. – Signs of a true friend. – An example of Christian friendship. CONVERSATION 3 on 1 Thess. 2:9–12. Responsibility of the teacher. – You should not be embarrassed by temptations. – Conspiracies and bandages for the purpose of healing the sick. - About fortune tellers. – You shouldn’t worry about money. CONVERSATION 4 on 1 Thess. 3:5–8. Guardianship of the Ap. Paul about the disciples. - Every sin is impurity and every virtue is purity. - Chastity of Joseph. – There is no need to remember grievances. CONVERSATION 5 on 1 Thess. 4:1–3. Purity in marriage. “Young men shouldn’t hesitate to get married.” – Chrysostom’s caution when discussing immodest subjects. CONVERSATION 6 on 1 Thess. 4:9–10. One should not mourn for the dead. – The reason for such sorrow is unbelief. CONVERSATION 7 on 1 Thess. 4:13. Evidence of the Resurrection. – Transmigration of souls among the Greeks. CONVERSATION 8 on 1 Thess. 4:15–17. Circumstances of the future resurrection. – Eternal rewards and punishments. – The state of the country in the place of Sodom and Gomorrah. Evidence of Gehenna. CONVERSATION 9 on 1 Thess. 5:1–2. The end of the world is unknown for the benefit of the living. - Every sin is spiritual intoxication. - Effeminacy leads to destruction. CONVERSATION 10 on 1 Thess. 5:12–13. A useful way of revenge is to pay good for evil. - Against covetous people and predators. CONVERSATION 11 on 1 Thess. 5:19–21. A means to avoid slander. - The story of a slave. – Special techniques of beggars in order to obtain food. - A call for mercy. INTERPRETATION ON THE 2nd EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS (These conversations were delivered by the saint in Constantinople in 400) CONVERSATION 1. Introduction. - The opinion that the resurrection of the dead has already happened. – Signs of the Antichrist. – Human affairs are like a dream. CONVERSATION 2 on 2Sol. 1:1–2. Love should be extended to everyone. – We should not rejoice at the punishment of our enemies. – What power does the fear of punishment have? - Useful about Gehenna. - Ap. Paul, out of love for Christ, did not count the torments of Gehenna as anything. – Wealth is not good, and poverty is not evil. CONVERSATION 3 on 2Sol. 1:9–10. About glorification in the future life. - About the Antichrist. - We need the Holy One. Scripture. CONVERSATION 4 on 2Sol. 2:6–9. Nero as a prototype of the Antichrist. – Why God allowed the Antichrist. – Church tradition must be recognized as reliable. - Chrysostom about his episcopal title. - His humility. CONVERSATION 5 on 2Sol. 3:3–5. How to give alms. – Life example is the best teacher. INTERPRETATION ON THE 1ST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY (These conversations were delivered by the saint, probably in Antioch around 397) INTRODUCTION Why up. Paul wrote only to Titus and Timothy. CONVERSATION 1 on 1 Tim. I:1–2. The greatness of the apostolic title. – Where there is faith, there is no need. – Against belief in rock and destiny. CONVERSATION 2 on 1 Tim. 1:5–7. Where did heresies come from? - How to use the law. - True glory. - True pleasure. CONVERSATION 3 on 1 Tim. 1:12–14. Humility of the Ap. Pavel. - About repaying good for evil. CONVERSATION 4 on 1 Tim. 1:15–16. Humility of the Ap. Pavel. - How to glorify God. CONVERSATION 5 on 1 Tim. 1:18–19. Which priests should be chosen? - Against those who unworthily or only once a year begin to receive Holy Communion. secret CONVERSATION 6 on 1 Tim. 2:1–4. A Christian should be above everyone else. – It is a great evil to curse one’s neighbor. – You should pray for your enemies. CONVERSATION 7 on 1 Tim. 2:2–4. Three types of war. - An exhortation to almsgiving. - Nonentity. CONVERSATION 8 on 1 Tim. 2:8–10. Where to pray. - About decent decoration. - About clothes. CONVERSATION 9 on 1 Tim. 2:11–15. Women are not supposed to speak in church. - As children need. CONVERSATION 10 on 1 Tim. 3:1–4. About bishopric. -What a bishop should be like. – About the good ones. – Why pagans do not accept faith. CONVERSATION 11 on 1 Tim. 3:8–10. Responsibilities of deacons. - How to use money. CONVERSATION 12 on 1 Tim. 4:1–5. Heretics, constantly erring, fall into destruction. - Manichaeans, Encratites, Marcionites. – When something sacrificed to idols is unclean. – Against. CONVERSATION 13 on 1 Tim. 4:11–14. Duties of a bishop. – Against the desire to. CONVERSATION 14 on 1 Tim. 5:8. The duty to care for relatives. – About widows. - Description of the monks. CONVERSATION 15 on 1 Tim. 5:11–15. Idleness teaches every evil. – Variability of earthly life. CONVERSATION 16 on 1 Tim. 5:21–23. Moral instructions. CONVERSATION 17 on 1 Tim. 6:3–7. Responsibilities of the teacher. – Pride is born of ignorance. – The love of money is the root of evil. CONVERSATION 18 on 1 Tim. 6:13–16. It is necessary to adhere not to human wisdom, but to... – Human affairs are fleeting. INTERPRETATION ON THE 2nd EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY (These conversations were delivered by the saint, probably in Antioch around 397) CONVERSATION 1 to 2Tim. 1:1–2. Motivation and timing of writing. – Praise to Timofey. – It is impossible for a person to live without sorrows. - About alms. CONVERSATION 2 on 2 Tim. 1:8–10. Divine affairs cannot be judged by human considerations. – The dignity of the Eucharistic sacrifice does not depend on the person offering it. – In the Eucharist is the true Body of Christ. CONVERSATION 3 on 2 Tim. 1:13–18. We must fear God's judgment. CONVERSATION 4 on 2 Tim. 2:1–7. Reward for teaching. – There is neither true glory nor true blessings on earth. – Comparison of Paul with Nero. CONVERSATION 5 on 2 Tim. 2:11–14. Remorse disturbs our peace. - Fear of judgment. – Sometimes in real life God punishes the wicked. CONVERSATION 6 on 2 Tim. 2:20–21. The servant of God should avoid competition. “Whoever is caught by the devil, even in part, is completely in his power. - An exhortation to almsgiving. CONVERSATION 7 on 2 Tim. 3:1–7. Corruption in the last days. - About Jonathan's friendship with David. - Advice to widows. CONVERSATION 8 on 2 Tim. 3:1–4. Characteristics of an ungrateful person. – The inevitability of sorrows for the pious too. – Why in real life God sometimes punishes the wicked, sometimes he does not punish them. CONVERSATION 9 on 2 Tim. 3:16–17. Works and exploits of the ap. Pavel. CONVERSATION 10 on 2 Tim. 4:9–13. Why didn't all the apostles heal illnesses? – How can you attract the grace of the Spirit. - The wealth of God. INTERPRETATION ON THE EPISTLE TO TITUS (These conversations were delivered by the saint in Antioch between 393 and 397 years.) CONVERSATION 1 on Titus. 1:1–4. Time to write a message. – What is it like to know the truth by faith? – We must preach with boldness. – Responsibilities and difficulties of episcopal ministry. CONVERSATION 2 on Titus. 1:5–6. The Works of the Apostles. - The duty of a shepherd. – Paul did more than Plato. – Neglecting glory and honor is difficult for a person. – There is no need to seek honors in life here. CONVERSATION 3 on Titus. 1:12–14. An explanation of Paul's words and his references to pagan writers. CONVERSATION 4 on Titus. 2:2–5. Disadvantages of old age. – The consent of the spouses is a great blessing. – Properties of a good servant. - Joseph in Egypt. – Good morals are attractive. CONVERSATION 5 on Titus. 2:11–14. The effectiveness of God's grace. – What are the lusts of the world? - The harm of selfishness. - Against those who say that the Son is less than the Father. - We must refrain from reproaches. – History of Androgeus. CONVERSATION 6 on Titus. 3:8–11. Arguments with heretics must be avoided. “We need to carefully look for the poor.” – The one who gives alms gains more than the one who receives it. - It's a tight path. - Wealth is a thorn. – We must endure sorrows patiently. – History of the martyrs. INTERPRETATION ON THE EPISTLE TO PHILEMON (These conversations were delivered by the saint in Antioch between 393 and 397) CONVERSATION 1 on Philim. 1–3. About mercy and compassion. – Some people pay more attention to people than to God. CONVERSATION 2 on Philim. 4–6. Masters should not be too demanding of their servants. – We must find the incentive to love for ourselves in the love of Christ. CONVERSATION 3 on Philim. 17–19. Prayer is a great blessing when we do deeds worthy of it. – If God demands an account and punishes, this does not mean that He is not good. Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews 1. FIRST CONVERSATION on Hebrews 1:1-2. 2. SECOND CONVERSATION on Hebrews 1:3. 3. THIRD DISCUSSION on Hebrews 1:6–8. 4. DISCUSSION FOUR on Hebrews 2:5–7. 5. DISCUSSION FIFTH on Hebrews 2:16–17. 6. DISCUSSION SIX on Hebrews 3:7–11. 7. SEVENTH CONVERSATION on Hebrews 4:11–13. 8. CONVERSATION EIGHT on Hebrews 5:1–3. 9. CONVERSATION NINE on Hebrews 6:1-3. 10. TENTH CONVERSATION on Hebrews 6:7–8. 11. CONVERSATION ELEVEN on Hebrews 6:13–16. 12. CONVERSATION TWELVE on Hebrews 7:1-3. 13. CONVERSATION THIRTEEN on Hebrews 7:11–14. 14. DISCUSSION FOURTEEN on Hebrews 8:1–2. 15. CONVERSATION FIFTEEN on Hebrews 9:1-5. 16. DISCUSSION SIXTEEN on Hebrews 9:15–18. 17. DISCUSSION SEVENTEEN on Hebrews 9:24–26. 18. CONVERSATION EIGHTEEN on Hebrews 10:8-13. 19. DISCUSSION NINETEEN on Hebrews 10:19–23. 20. DISCUSSION TWENTIETH on Hebrews 10:26–27. 21. CONVERSATION TWENTY-ONE on Hebrews 10:32-34. 22. CONVERSATION TWENTY-TWO on Hebrews 11:3-4. 23. CONVERSATION TWENTY-THREE on Hebrews 11:7. 24. CONVERSATION TWENTY-FOUR on Hebrews 11:13-16. 25. DISCUSSION TWENTY-FIVE on Hebrews 11:17-18. 26. CONVERSATION TWENTY-SIX on Hebrews 11:20-22. 27. CONVERSATION TWENTY-SEVEN on Hebrews 11:28-31. 28. CONVERSATION TWENTY-EIGHT on Hebrews 11:37–38. 29. DISCUSSION TWENTY-NINE on Hebrews 12:4-7. 30. DISCUSSION THIRTY on Hebrews 12:11–13. 31. CONVERSATION THIRTY-ONE on Hebrews 12:14. 32. CONVERSATION THIRTY-TWO on Hebrews 12:18-24. 33. DISCUSSION THIRTY-THREE on Hebrews 12:28-29. 34. CONVERSATION THIRTY-FOUR on Hebrews 13:17. 35. CONVERSATION 1, at the “ancient rock”. 36. CONVERSATION 2, when at midnight the queen came to the Great Church... 37. CONVERSATION 3. The next day, when the king was in the martyrium of the apostle and martyr Thomas. 38. CONVERSATION 4 exhorting, spoken in the church of St. Anastasia in relation to those who were absent, and a presentation of the competitions and exploits of the blessed and righteous Job. 39. CONVERSATION 5, spoken in the Church of St. Irene, regarding the zeal of those present and the negligence of those absent. 40. CONVERSATION 6, spoken in the church of the apostles, on the day of King Theodosius, against those who call themselves Kafars. 41. CONVERSATION 7, delivered in the Church of St. Anastasia. 42. CONVERSATION 8, spoken in the church of Paul, when the Goths had read and the Gothic presbyter had previously spoken the discourse. 43. CONVERSATION 9, about the fact that one should not go to the lists or to the spectacles. And having grieved them, then at the meeting that took place after that Sunday, he yielded to speak to the bishop who had arrived from Galatia, and after being silent, also at this (meeting), having grieved, he spoke this conversation in the great church with the words: “My Father works hitherto, and I work” (John 5:17). 44. CONVERSATION 10, spoken in the church of the apostle, after the bishop had previously talked a little, on the words “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37). 45. CONVERSATION 11, his own, spoken after another, very old one, had previously spoken - about Eleazar and the seven youths. 46. ​​To the words “In the beginning was the Word” (John 1:1) and so on; and that the Spirit searches the depths of God (1 Cor. 2:10); both about the newly enlightened and against heretics. 48. Order of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. 49. Prayer of John Chrysostom, when there is an intention to read, or listen to someone else reading. 50. Second prayer of John Chrysostom. 51. Spuria. For the new Sunday, and for the Apostle Thomas. 53. On Holy Pentecost. 54. About patience, the end of the age and the second coming. 55. A word about Saint Gregory the Great, the Illuminator. Word 4 about fasting and chastity. 505 Word 5 is about happiness and unhappiness. 510 Word 6 is about teaching and instruction. 516 Word 7 about humility. 528 Word 9 is about not neglecting the Church of God and the holy sacraments. 538 Word 11 about wealth and poverty. 554 Word 12 about satiety and drunkenness. 566 Word 13 about illness and doctors. 573 Word 14 about women and beauty. 579 Word 15 about greed. 591 Word 16 is about arrogance and vanity. 599 Word 18 is about hatred and enmity. 610 Word 19 is about sorrow and sorrow. 618 Word 20 is about anger and rage. 622 Word 21 is about leadership, power and glory. 628 Word 22 is about patience and generosity. 636 Word 23 is about almsgiving and love of homosexuality. 655 Word 24 about sin and confession. 676 Word 25 about the future judgment. 689 Word 26 about virtue and vice. 703 Word 27 is about raising children. 717 Word 29 is about kindness, ill-suffering and resentment. 733 Word 30. Praise of St. to the Apostle Paul, compiled by Theodore Magister from various words of St. our father John Chrysostom. 747 Word 32 is about courage and bravery. 774 Word 33. On St. Vai holiday. 783 Word 34. On St. Christmas. 787 Word 35. About repentance. 802 Word 36. Praise of St. to the Apostle Paul. 809 Word 37. About silence and secrets. 820 Homily 38. About the unashamed confession of the honorable cross and how Christ saved us through it, and how we should place our glory in it; about virtue, about how (the Lord) wants our salvation, and about alms. 821 Word 39. That God has given us many ways not to sin, if we want, and that the one who intends to receive the Kingdom of Heaven must keep all the commandments, but the one who keeps some and breaks others will learn in Gehenna how he differs from other people. 827 Word 40. About the fact that we need to do everything and undertake everything for the salvation of our brothers, and that it is a great good to forgive the sins of those who sin against us - that this is greater than alms. 834 Homily 41. About the fact that we must imitate at least our servants, so that for the fear of God we do what they do out of fear of us, and about the unspeakable blessings prepared for the saints. 841 Word 42. That we should not be embarrassed when we see how good people suffer misfortunes, while evil people have everything in abundance; and that he who lives in sins is no different from a stinking dead man. 845 Word 43. That he who neglects the present will prevail over both, and that covetousness is worse than any filth and impurity. 852 Homily 44. About contrition, patience and wishes for future benefits; and about the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 860 Word 45. About the fact that one should not intensely mourn the dead. 871 Word 46. That even if we are guilty of all sins, we can be saved through confession; and that each of us believers has a guardian angel; and about priests.878 Homily 47. About the fact that one should not unworthily approach the divine mysteries. 882 Word 48. Flower garden in the form of a word, collected from Chrysostom by Theodore: what a Christian needs to do in order to inherit eternal life. 886 I. On repentance, and on reading about the (sin) of David with the wife of Uriah. 889 II. About those who observe abstinence during fasting, and about the lifestyle of various prophets. 894 III. A word of admonition about abstinence. 897 I V. About the fact that it is hard to despise God’s love for mankind. It was said after reading the parable of the ten talents. And against the Jews, on the occasion of the earthquake. 899 V. About the Bleeding One, from the Gospel of Luke. 899 VI. About how real life is like the sea, and about how Jesus went into the ship with his disciples and fell asleep. 903 VII. To the words: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed” (Matthew 13:31). 906 VIII. To the words: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; The old has passed away, everything is new” (2 Cor. 5:17). 910 IX. To the words: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 17:5). 926 X. For the Gospel reading, and about virginity, and an admonition to fallen virgins. 932 XI. About the knowledge of God, both for the Holy Epiphany, and for the newly enlightened. 941 XII. On the holy Ascension of our Savior. 943 XIII. About Lake Gennesaret and the Holy Apostle Peter. 946 1. First conversation. On Holy Pentecost. 2. Second conversation. About the repentance of the Ninevites. 3. Conversation three. About alms, and about the rich man, and Lazarus. 4. Conversation four. About ten thousand talents, and ten denarii, and about forbearance. 5. Conversation five. To those who highly value real blessings and strive in vain for worldly pride. 6. Conversation six. About prayer. 7. Conversation seven. To the words: “Every sin that a person commits is outside the body” (1 Cor. 6:18). 8. Conversation eight. That a virtuous soul is most precious. 9. Conversation nine. To the words: “Keep in mind the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Jesus Christ, who is faithful to Him who appointed Him” (Heb. 3:1). Additions to interpretations of the Holy Scriptures. To the 18th Discourse on the Book of Genesis Excerpt from the 3rd Conversation on the book. kingdoms Example explanation on Job Excerpts of Commentary on the Book of Job Remains from the Commentary on the Proverbs of Solomon Preserved from the Commentary on the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah From the Commentary on the Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Romans (16:25) Excerpts of the Interpretation of the Council Epistle of St. Jacob Excerpts from the Commentary on the First Epistle of St. Petra Excerpts from the Commentary on the Second Epistle of St. Petra Excerpts from the Commentary on the First Epistle of St. Joanna Additions to the Liturgy of St. Chrysostom. You might be interested in: