De vita sua. A poem in which Saint Gregory retells his life

Of the autobiographical works, the most monumental is the poem De vita sua (“About his life”, or in the translation used - “The poem in which St. Gregory retells his life”), consisting of 1949 verses and written in the beginning of 382. It is the most voluminous of the poems of St. Gregory and the main source of information about his life (from birth to removal from Constantinople) and the best autobiography written in Byzantium in this era. The inner world of the saint, his experiences and doubts, disappointments and hopes - the book tells about all this in the first person. We present to the reader's attention a book that reveals in a completely new light one of the most famous exponents of Christian teaching, St. Gregory the Theologian. The lyrical-biographical poem “De vita sua” (“About his life”), in which the saint describes his entire life, rich in external events and internal experiences, was translated into Russian by a graduate of the Moscow Theological Academy, cleric of the Moscow Church of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi, priest Andrei Zuevsky. According to the translator, today the poetry of St. Gregory the Theologian is that it allows us to get closer to understanding the personality of one of the greatest Greek theologians. “De vita sua” is the most voluminous of the saint’s poems and the most significant source of historical information about him. The inner world of the saint, his experiences and doubts, disappointments and hopes - the book tells about all this in the first person. Saint Gregory of Nazianzus is one of the most renowned theologians of the Eastern Christian Church. According to the “citation index,” the works of the saint for a millennium after his death were second only to the Bible. The teachings of Gregory the Theologian were recognized as the norm of faith both in the East and in the West. Rufinus of Aquileia, in the preface to his lifetime translation of the saint’s selected words, wrote that disagreement with Gregory in faith is a clear sign of deviation from the truth. Six Ecumenical Councils in their decisions referred to him as the indisputable authority in dogmatic matters. Moreover, the very name “Theologian” was officially given to him by the fathers of the IV Ecumenical Council. Saint Gregory was one of the first holy fathers to be translated into the Slavic language. The words and teachings of Gregory are already found in several collections of the 11th century. And by the 16th century, collections of the saint’s words were a mandatory part of any library in Moscow Rus'. The literary heritage of Gregory the Theologian includes 45 conversations, 246 letters and about 500 poems (according to the edition of J. Min: PG 35–38). Among his letters, only three messages are of a general church nature; the rest of the saint’s epistolary legacy, like his poetic works, is deeply personal. According to St. Gregory, “the best theologian is not the one who has found everything, not the one whose understanding is more extensive, but who has formed in himself a more complete likeness or shade, or, no matter how you call it, the truths” (30:17). Thus, theology is not so much about knowledge as it is about life. And the life of St. Gregory emerges clearly in his works. Almost each of them can be called autobiographical, because he did not hide in them the feelings that overwhelmed him. His personal experiences are not only filled with genuine lyrics, but also deeply sincere. For an attentive reader, features may suddenly appear in the appearance of the saint that are not traditional for the usual hagiographic image. It may seem that Gregory was not without pride, resentment, resentment and other human weaknesses that do not fit well with the Christian moral ideal. However, Gregory's human qualities do not in the least detract from his dignity as a saint and teacher of the Church. Each saint was a human being, and the saint’s testimony about himself seems especially precious to us, thanks to which we come into contact not with an iconographic image, but with a living person. Gregory's life is divided into two parts - before and after entering church service. The first part of his life is a continuous chain of successes and good fortune. The second, on the contrary, consists almost entirely of disappointments and disasters. The church “career” of Saint Gregory was extremely unhappy: he was ordained to a non-existent see, served in a foreign diocese and, having ascended the patriarchal throne, was soon removed. However, the greatness of Gregory is revealed not so much from the external circumstances of his life, but from his internal experience, which is captured on the pages of his works. Despite a turbulent life, full of trials, anxieties and external shocks, he knew how to maintain a living internal connection with God and had deep mystical experience. The unusual breadth of the Theologian’s views, the closest, living and creative connection between God and the world runs through all his works. Gregory's unconditional devotion to the Orthodox faith and personal holiness were combined with openness to all the best that humanity has accumulated outside of Christianity. One can only wish that in our time there would be more people like him “in word, in life, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeev) Translating poetry is one of the most attractive and at the same time dubious undertakings that every civilization inevitably faces. Translating poetry so that at least a shadow of the poetic form of the original is preserved in the target language is, in addition, an ambitious task, not feasible for every language and translator, but, nevertheless, a task that the peoples involved in the circle of Europeanism, in one way or another, sought to cope with, starting with the first Europeans - the Romans. When it comes to translating poetry into Russian, we initially firmly know that some translations do not pretend to convey the form of poetic creations, while others are aimed at this. Giving the opportunity to speak Russian to someone who was born in Nazianza more than sixteen centuries ago, and even speak in poetry, is a very important task, but also a very difficult one. For this edition, the poem “About His Life” by St. Gregory was transferred by a graduate of the Moscow Theological Academy, Priest Andrei Zuevsky, cleric of the Moscow Church of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi. Previously Fr. Andrei published a translation in hexameters of the poem by St. Gregory “On the Soul”, as well as several poetic translations from English and French; but this work required special poetic inspiration and considerable endurance. To the translator of the magnificent autobiographical text of St. Gregory had to cope with many difficulties while working on almost two thousand poems. But as a result of the work, a poem full of drama, intellectual and emotional tension, powerfully marked by emotional ups and downs, but also by constant spiritual ascension, sounds vividly in Russian. The translator managed to recreate for the reader both the tragic atmosphere of the entire life of Gregory the Theologian, and the eternal radiance of the heavenly light towards which this Great Teacher and Saint of the Church steadily rushed. Listen to unfalse testimony One who has experienced many misadventures, In which, however, knowledge comes... The purpose of this poem is to explore The misfortunes or good fortune that I have experienced; They judge differently here, and I think Just according to your mood. 5 But the arguments of arbitrariness are not reliable, And a measured syllable will cure despondency, And give good instruction to the young Strangers now, but once close, 10 Fellow believers and, if there are any, those who have fallen away. After all, as soon as I stopped talking, everyone became so kind to me! O you men, the clear eye of the universe! Living, as I see, in other worlds, Luxuriously dressed by land and sea. 15 O New Rome, capital of Constantine! The powers are a pillar and the nobility is new. In which, however, knowledge comes. 20 Everything is perishable. Even the most beautiful Either everything will go away, or little will remain. And where the earth was washed away by a furious downpour, Only bare stones will appear. It would be unnecessary if we talk about those 25 Who has never been among the worthy, Who, like cattle, crawls on all fours, But no matter how sad, that ravine is eaten away - We ourselves, our fallen community, We, who have not sat on thrones for good! 30 Teachers, instructors of beauty, It is holy waste to distribute to the chosen ones, They are not fit to eat it. Healers, Which, like corpses, are saturated with poisons. Guides along the steeps and rapids, 35 For centuries they themselves have not walked on them. Don't listen to people like that - the rule is not complicated, But at the same time, the path to heaven is the most reliable. The altar for them is just a greater exposure, If only there is only arrogance there, and not the character of Christ. 40 I say so that everyone can hear this, Both our generation and those to come (It doesn’t suit me to talk in vain.) And so that false rumors stop, I'll start my story from afar, At least it will become longer from this. After all, as you know, mean people love shift the blame onto the victim; They thereby wound again, but they themselves - Innocent, and nothing more! But enough. It's time to finish the preface. The gift of the bestowing God My father was an elder of the most honest life: An example for everyone, but his character is unsophisticated. He's like the new Abraham, really. He was righteous. Not like many people do now. 55 Lost before, friend of Christ afterwards, Then there is the shepherd, the image of pastoral power. And my mother, worthy of him in everything, It did not disturb the marital balance. From pious, and more pious parents. 60 A wife who surpassed her husbands in honor. Both were respectable, in a word, in society. How can I explain? How can I prove my words? I think she will be the one for me Here is the best and most worthy witness. 65 She used to quickly hide the obvious, What to boast about in secret for the sake of glory; The fear of God is the best confessor, isn't it? So, she expected the birth of her son In your family, which is natural for everyone. 70 She asked God to give her what she wanted, Having promised in prayerful fervor Return the child that will be given to her, And she anticipated the accomplishment with hope. God did not leave the prayer unanswered 75 And gave a good omen - The vision that foreshadowed what was asked for, In it my image and name were revealed. Then the night revelation came true, I was born - a gift from God, since truly 80 I am worthy of a mother's vow, And if not, then it’s only my fault. This is how I entered this life, like everyone else, alas, Pepper mixed with nature, which He rules me easily, but I rule her with great difficulty. 85 But there is no point in complaining, because good Bequeathed to me as a pledge at birth! And having entered the world, I immediately became alien to it Beautiful alienation, because I was given away Like a lamb or calf beloved by the Lord - 90 Sublime sacrifice and reasonable. (Like Samuel, I would hesitate 1 So to speak, if not the vow of the parents). Brought up in everything beautiful from childhood (After all, I had perfect examples), 95 I soon became sedate beyond my age, And, like a cloud dispelling the darkness, The desire for virtue came to me. I grew up, over the years my mind kept up, I talked with men of righteous life, 100 And I read all the books about God and saints. This was the beginning, and the rest I don’t know how to tell it. Shall I hide it? Like God, having accepted the daring of a young heart, Miracles began to inspire me 105 (After all, this is how he often moves us towards salvation)? Or will I tell you everything without hiding? Will I choose ingratitude or pride? I'll probably keep quiet. I know it myself, and it will be for me. There is no former zeal, I am the current one 110 I hardly live up to the lofty words. But what is needed will all be laid out. So, I still felt beardless I am drawn to science and to the service of truths He began to call upon alien teachings, 115 So that those who have learned only to weave phrases And a thoughtless shaking of the air, They weren't very proud. Yes, and their nonsense I had no intention of giving in at all. And in those days I had nothing 120 Miles than those precious lessons. But it’s too thoughtlessly ardent youth The impulses are given to disorderly: Like a foal, full of agility, I went on the road. What a bad time! 125 Bad weather was already approaching, and there was still Taurus, according to experts, with his tail It promised danger. In a word, swimming is madness! But I, who have tasted the first fruit of learning, Leaving the city of Alexandria, by sea 130 He went to Hellas to spite all the winds. And now, passing the coast of Cyprus, our ship Was plunged into a riot of waves: everything became - one night, The earth, water and sky are blackened. Thunderclaps echoed flashes of lightning, The rigging roared from the squall pressure, The helm was torn out of my hands, and the wind was angry We were driven uncontrollably through the seething waters, Waves grow like walls, the mast collapses, And plaintive cries are heard here and there - 140 Everyone cried out to Christ, even those of us Who has not sought salvation in God before? Truly, the lessons of fear are powerful. But then comes a test worse than ever: We lost our supply of drinking water: 145 Desired moisture into the abyss of the sea It leaked from the barrels that were cracked by the rocking. And thirst and storm argued over which of them Kill us. However, God deigned Help us. So unexpected and unexpected 150 Phoenician merchants appeared there. They were tormented by the same fear, but nevertheless, They, seeing that we are in distress, Hooks (the Lord has given us the power!) The vessels were prevented from colliding, And they saved us, the unfortunate ones. We walked around On the fish that are tossed by a storm in the absence of water, Or a lamp that goes out without oil. But after that the sea is angry again It carried us around in endless circles; 160 We didn’t know where we were or where we were going, It seemed that even God could not help us out. We were all afraid of death, but worse than that I thought about the death of my soul, After all, this merciless darkness separated 165 Me from the life-giving waters of baptism! Oh, how I grieved over this! Now he complained, now he called on God in despair, My voice, full of sorrow, was drowned out at times And the howling of the wind and the silent roar of the sea. 170 So what? Incredible. But that’s how it was! Everyone who was on the ship, forgetting themselves, They began to pray for me! It turns out that Everyone was gifted with faith by the common grief! Their compassion eased my pain, 175 But both then and now You only, my God, The ominous storm suppressor is genuine! And so, when there was no hope again, Not a lighthouse, not even a small island, Neither the stars of heaven - proven guides, 180 Darkness and that’s all, in a word, what did I do? How did our misadventure end? Leaving everything, I looked at You, my God, My clear light, my breath, my life! You, combining benefit with pain, heal us. 185 Sometimes you frighten, but you also have mercy! And so, recalling the matters in which we They knew your almighty hand: About the Egyptians pacified by executions 2, O sea, which you parted before Israel, 3 190 About how the enemy was defeated by the reward of hands 4, About the miraculous rod of Moses 5 And about the stronghold, destroyed by the sound of trumpets 6, And adding to them what was accomplished with me, I said this: “I am yours now, as before. 195 Accept again the offering of your children, On land by a parental will, On the sea, sanctified by the fear of mortals. Save me, and I will only live for You, 200 If not, you will lose your faithful servant. Do you really not care that I am dying here? Shake off your sleep! Let the storm calm down! 7" Before I could finish speaking, the storm died down, And our ship has straightened its strong frame. 205 Truly prayer works wonders! And everyone who was on the ship got off it, Praising Christ for his wondrous salvation, For deliverance from double destruction. Meanwhile, we passed peaceful Rhodes 210 With a fair wind we entered the port of Aegina - (Our glorious ship was from there). Athens and Sciences (Ἀθῆναι καὶ λόγοι) Then science again, but let others They will tell you how we labored in Athens, How we preferred the important to the trivial. Among the young nobility, driven by recklessness, 215 She was looking for everything where it would be better to have fun with them, We led a calm and clear life, Like that source that is among the bitter waters of the sea It flows unruly with sweet moisture. And we weren’t just running away from temptations, 220 But they also tried to attract friends for the better. The Lord rewarded me with a fair gift then, Having connected my life with the wisest man. Both in deed and in speech he was superior to everyone. And who is this? I think you understand - 225 Vasily - our century of greatness! We shared both roof and aspirations, And if I can boast about anything, it’s only that Our union was not the last for Greece! We had everything in common, because it happens like this: 230 Two different people, but one soul! 8 God Himself created our union, firmly and firmly Uniting us with aspirations for the highest. And we bravely hide the secret places of our hearts They opened the door to each other, and from this 235 Only mutual attraction grew stronger; Friendship is confirmed by unity of goals. Fatherland and way of life (ἡ πατρίς καὶ βίου τύποι) What next? - Fatherland. The time has come Leaving the teaching, choose the path of life, After all, I was almost thirty years old. 240 It was then that I saw in full, How dear we have become to our friends! Oh, and the parting was not easy: Kisses, tears, excited speeches, Memories of the past are long; 245 Vasily explained everything to them and escaped Quite quickly from friendly embraces, And now I remember with trepidation The embarrassment that I went through because of them. Everyone is strangers, peers, mentors 250 They tried to hold me back with oaths, And even by force, probably thinking, That friendship gives them special rights. I remember they shouted, surrounding me: “The glory of Athens will not diminish! Given away 255 From now on you have primacy in rhetoric. No matter what happens, you will stay with us!” Even a stone can hardly withstand this, - I couldn’t either (albeit partly): homeland I was attracted (is there a greater force?!) - 260 A country where faith is stronger than in any other, Where it seemed to me happiness to philosophize - And the old parents were waiting. I didn't stay there long after that And I left in secret from everyone who knew me. 265 And at home - they immediately forced me to say: Others saw this as some kind of my duty! For me, that’s not what rhetoric is for, To gain noisy praise for ornateness; So among the youths the sophists delight, 270 I saw here the initial step towards wisdom: Everything is a gift to God, including oratory, Like someone who gives up arable land for pasture Or gold plunges into the depths of the sea. But I still had to dance in front of my friends. 275 And this was the first exercise And the threshold to the greatest sacraments. It's time to make a courageous decision It's time to make a decision And I called my friends for a meeting, In my doubts, sincere helpers. 280 My mind was in extreme confusion, After all, I chose the best of the best. I long ago decided to plunge my flesh into the abyss, And this thought attracted me more and more, But choose yours from two divine paths 285 It seemed to me not an easy task. “Both here and there – flaws and advantages!” – This thought often precedes actions. I was in this state: Whenever, planning to go on a journey, 290 I decided not to sail on the troubled sea, And I hoped to find an easier way. Then I remembered Elijah the Prophet, Mount Carmel 9 and food given by Heaven 10, The desert is the property of the Baptist 11 295 And the life of the sons of Jonadab is strict 12; Then again he irresistibly attracted me The Light of the Spirit, sent down to us through books, But are book studies for the desert? I hesitated between two decisions for a long time, 300 Until, having tamed my desires, Didn’t accept something in between, namely: I knew that those inclined towards an active life Very useful for people and society, But not for themselves, because they have a temperament 305 He loses his peace because of vain malice; And whoever left the world is at peace, And turned to God with a fearless mind, But he only cherishes himself in a closed heart, Leading a strict and unapproachable life. 310 Well, I chose the middle, borrowing from some Power over the mind, while others have service. There were even greater reasons for this - My duty is filial and love for my parents. And so, since the first honor according to God 315 It is necessary to repay the father and mother (After all, the knowledge of God was given to us through them!), I cherished and supported them in their old age, What’s up, he just led me by the hand everywhere, After all, I myself wished for a happy old age, 320 And what you sow, you have to reap 13. The covenant is paramount for a philosopher - Do not pretend that you are looking for a high life, But to truly be a friend of the Lord. Yes, I considered it worthy of respect 325 Those who have received great honor from God To lead the people through the sacraments, But he himself was still inclined to solitude, Without avoiding, however, public affairs. Monasticism is not a place, but a state of mind I also revered the altar sacredly, but from afar, 330 He blinded my weak gaze like a bright light. And least of all I had hope Enter into it amid the vicissitudes of life; But should a person renounce? Good dreams cannot resist envy. 335 It doesn’t take long to look for an example. This is my life. Father fetters son That's when fate struck me... My father knew my aspirations for certain, And yet - why, it’s still difficult for me to understand Apparently driven by paternal love, To bind me with spiritual bonds (Sometimes the union of power and love is terrible!) And give me the best of yours, He forcibly ordained me to be an elder. And the tyranny hurt me so much (After all, there is no other way to say it, may he forgive me Spirit of God for such impudent speeches), That I, as soon as I learned about it, gave up everything, Friends, family, father's house, parents, And, like a cow from the bites of a gadfly, 350 He fled, hoping to relieve his pain in Pontus, From your holy friend; that's where he lived In communion with God and spiritual exploits, Like that ancient sage, hiding in a cloud 14. It was Vasily, who has now left us, 355 And in him I sought the consolation of my soul. My father did not yield. Tormented And with old age and passion to bring me back, He prayed that even his deathbed would honor him; And so, when the pain subsided over time, 360 I’m rushing into the abyss (but I shouldn’t have!). I was afraid of the reproaches of the indignant: Straight souls have love when they are angry, Oh, how easily it turns into a curse! My brother is dying 365 And then there’s misfortune again, and I’ll find the words, To describe how much more than before! But I want all my friends to know: My brother served in a considerable position then, In the capital, in the state treasury, - 370 Oh, unclean spirit, how strong you can be! – He died. Immediately a pack of dogs attacked For the money and property of the deceased. Friends, enemies and servants plundered everything; Who doesn’t store firewood if an oak tree collapses? 375 As for me, the difficulties of life They wouldn't have scared me, I was a bird after all, Flying easily in the heavenly heights, But now I had to help my father In all matters, and although you own nothing, 380 But take care of your property in every possible way. Who walks the path without due firmness, He stumbles and immediately falls into the abyss, Unable to resist. Here's my lot: Having tasted evil once, wait for them to appear 385 From that trouble more and more. Sashima Church (αὕτη Σασίμων ἐκκλησία) Then (I’ll keep silent about what happened earlier, So that they don’t think that I’m blaspheming For a person who was previously only praised) My dear friend is coming to visit us 390 Vasily - it hurts to say, but I’ll say it anyway - The second father, but worse than the first! But since it is my duty to endure my father’s despotism, There’s no need to give me a friend at all, When he hurts instead of comforting. 395 And now the pain from what happened is alive; I don’t know who to blame: maybe it’s my sins, They tormented me enough Either you, most worthy one, and your arrogance, Together with the throne one can see the newfound one. So, without anger, listen to what follows. After thinking about it, you wouldn’t force me: After all, this has never happened before, If something happened, someone sane would be found, Whoever, knowing both of us, could calm you down. 405 So what happened to you? Well how could you Throw me into this distance?! Perish forever The charter of that friendship that honors friends in this way! Yesterday we were both lions, but today I am a monkey... And even a lion is nothing to you! 410 And even if you looked at others like that, I’ll say it here proudly – it wasn’t worth it for me! After all, you always distinguished me from others, Until I rose above the clouds Are you still moaning, heart? But forcefully humble 415 Speed the horse, return the story to the beginning. Previously a stranger to lies, my friend has become a deceiver. I told him more than once that everything is ready To endure as long as both father and mother are alive, When will parents leave this world? 420 I dreamed, escaping from the bustle of society, Finding a treasure in a homeless life - And, wherever I am, be a free citizen. Vasily knew all this and greatly approved of it; So what? – Framed his foot: to the rank of bishop 425 They and my father forcibly raised me up! But don’t be indignant, just listen... So, when would my enemies plan To annoy me, it would hardly be, I think They found the best remedy for this. 430 Which? - Anyone who will tell you the truth He considers that case to be lawlessness. About how I surrendered myself to the will of a friend, Everyone knows. Knows Caesarea, Pontus and everything Without exception, mutual friends. 435 I won’t blame him, it’s petty, And about the good deed I have shown, Let the one to whom I gave it remember. But let it not be a secret what he rewarded me with. There is a remote crossing in Cappadocia, 440 There the main road is divided into three; Where there is no water and not a tree grows, There is only dust, the rumble of carts, Sobs, groans, chains and overseers, 445 The people are all wanderers with strangers. My friend sent me there, to Sashimy. How noble! Apparently not enough Five dozen bishops in their seats! To overcome another who wanted to take away 450 That place, he created this department. Among the friends who are capable of fighting, he is the first He counted me. Perhaps it was like this: If the cause is sacred, wounds do not frighten me, And so, as you can see, there was no opportunity 455 Occupy that area without bloodshed; That year, small provinces were reformed They were given double subordination. So whose land is it!? And between two bishops A furious quarrel immediately broke out. 460 The essence is lust for power, the reason is their pastoral duty. Yes, fees and charges are inevitable The whole world is thrown into miserable unrest. But, for God's sake, what could I do? To endure, taking a ruthless blow from fate? 465 Get stuck in the mud and die there before your time? Or am I doomed to eternal persecution To a place where there is no peace even in old age?! Where can you not break bread with a guest? A poor shepherd over a poor flock, if I could 470 Do at least something good there, Having become only the master of city vices, Seeing no roses forever, only thorns, Where only outright evil was waiting for me? No, you won’t get any humility from me here! 475 Contact those who are more capable than me! But in Athens we had everything in common, Hearth and shelter, desire for learning, And the mind is one in both - a miracle of Greece! We wanted to escape the bustle of the world 480 And lead a godly life together, And dedicate knowledge entirely to Christ... Everything is broken, everything has become dust, and the wind is evil All previous hopes were dashed. Where should I go? Beasts, won't you accept it? 485 You, too, as I see, have more fidelity. Exiled again (πάλιν φυγάς τις) This is how things stood, in short. The spirit was not broken, but they bent my neck, So what can you say!? Like my misery Can I introduce you? I'm tormented again 490 And again - an exile, rushing to the mountains, Steal the desired lifestyle of the thirsty... What's the result? – I am not a zealous hermit: I would endure all the hardships with joy, But I could not bear my father’s anger. 495 It was not possible to establish me in Sasimy, So, he decided to go from the other side: So that I do not remain in the lowest degree And since he has become weak, he will have to, they say, I should become his, the bishop’s, assistant. 500 I remember how, touching my beard, He addresses me with this speech: “Dearest of sons, I pray you! – The Lord prays to his servant, Lord both by birth and rank - 505 I ask neither silver nor gold, I have no need for land or treasures, Be Aaron 15, Samuel 16 become the second In sacred concelebration of our God! He is your Master, and since you wait for His love, 510 Do not disgrace, O child, my prayer; It’s a completely legitimate request, don’t you think? Besides, she's her father's... You've been for so many years You can't live in the world as long as I serve. So do me a favor, do it, or change me 515 Conducts you on your final journey. So be it! Bless the rest of my little days! And then you can do as you please.” Hearing this, my soul came to life, Like the sun peeking out from behind a cloud, 520 So what next? Will the sorrows end soon? I thought, is it really bad? To follow my father's will to the end: They can't keep me in the pulpit Without a name or an oath taken, 525 And fear returned me victoriously. Well, when the parents passed away, Having accepted the long-desired reward, I became free, but with a restrained will: I was not associated with the church handed to me, 530 I didn’t pray with the people, there were services there Never committed priests He did not ordain from local clergy. I took care of my father's for a while, But like a guest while the owner is not there. 535 Succumbed to the onslaught of the local righteous - We supposedly have a lot of unbaptized people in the city, And everyone will perish if you do not accept the pulpit. And I only repeated one thing to the bishops, Asking them as a precious gift, 540 Give another overseer to this church. I told them directly that, first of all, I Didn't go through the naming ceremony And secondly, I had long hoped Get away from public worries. 545 Where there! After all, they must prevail, And, apparently, out of great love for me. I ran again. Seleucia this time. There is a sanctuary for the glorious virgin Thekla. I stayed with him for a long time, still thinking: 550 “Perhaps time will tire their aspirations And the department will be given to someone else.” Ill-fated city (ἀθλιωτάτη πόλις) Well now I'm getting close to the time When not only did my dreams not come true, But everything I avoided came back again 555 Strengthened a hundredfold. As if the time had come. And this is the most important part of the story. I will say what I must say: although many And everyone knows, but I’m not with you now, So let my story console you in your sorrow, 560 The enemy is oppressed, and let my friends see, How much I have endured without harming anyone. The Lord gave not two suns, but two Romes, Treasured beacons for the entire universe, And two powers - ancient and new. 565 And the only difference is that one of them One shines for the East, and another for the West, And as for brilliance, there is equality between them. In matters of faith, having immediately chosen the good path, One hail is still moving along it, 570 Having united the entire West with the news of Salvation, And, as befits the primate, Honors the Divine concord appropriately, Another Rome - mine before, but alien now - At first he remained faithful to the truth, 575 But now the disastrous pool has plunged into the pool. When Alexandria, filled with evil A stormy city that has lost its mind, He sent us the abomination of desolation - Aria, That he began to teach not to worship the Trinity, 580 Having given special honor to nature alone And dividing the indivisible essence, - We went our separate ways. However, no matter how unfortunate our city was, Dying a miserable death in disbelief 585 (He didn’t become like this right away, but over time A bad custom turns into law) Still, the breath of life glimmered in him. There were souls there who were right in the word of God, Yes, little, but does God have little? 590 He does not look at numbers, at devotion, And there were good shoots of faith. So to them I was sent by the Spirit of God, In defense of the Word, for the instruction of the flock (For lifestyle and eloquence 595 I was considered knowledgeable in theology, Even though I lived far from the capitals for a long time). The flock asked, the shepherds called, So that I can imbue you with the moisture of piety Living souls thirsting for truth 600 To pour oil into the dying lamp, And also so that the weaving is sophisticated, In which simplicity of faith is lost - The knots are rotten, the webs are vile, Funny to the strong, oppressive to the weak, - 605 Unravel and throw them off with firm teaching, And those who are already in them must be rescued. New false teaching (νέηλυν αἵρεσιν) That's how I came there by someone else's will, To become a defender of the true Word. There was a rumor then about a new false teaching, 610 That a certain community of bishops He preaches in God-protected churches. That heresy cut our union with God, In which, without changing Himself, He perceived Our mind with soul and body passions - a whole 615 Adam the primordial sinless. And their god seemed to be deprived of intelligence, Otherwise, they say, the mind will begin to be at enmity with God, But what then to do with the flesh, since it stands Farther from God and in greater discord with Him. 620 Moreover, it turned out that salvation Everything is necessary, but let the mind perish; But the mind must first be saved, How damaged to the greatest extent! The covenant was accepted by the mind, and it was trampled upon, 625 And it was necessary to accept what had been corrected. May I be saved entirely, and not part of me, Since everything has fallen away! Moreover, God is dishonored, Like our ashes, and not our nature, And how combined with brainless flesh, 630 What is saved by this false teaching. He who is righteous will avoid such things! Here the heresy seems to be the opposite The one who is from the Virgin and from God - the two Sons Shows off in reckless thinking. 635 And by doubling and by cutting it collapses Harmony of divine providence. One of two things comes out if there are two Sons: Or will we all worship two gods, Or, moving away from this absurdity, 640 Outside the deity, let us place the incarnation: Although God does not tend to tolerate carnal things, Our composition is aligned with Him - the Whole; And He is not just like a prophet or a righteous man, What is shared not with God, but with His gifts - 645 No, in us He is like the sun in its own light! And it is not at all worthy of dispute who does not honor The One God-Man of the Lord, Christ – the Perceived Receiver! Eternal, born in time 650 One father and one mother, Uniting two natures within oneself. Presented before the authorities as a murderer Let's get back to my business. Well, having arrived there, I immediately encountered many misadventures. First, for the fact that polytheism is supposedly 655 I entered, the whole city turned against me. You shouldn’t be surprised, because they were led like this, That the word of truth seemed foreign to them: How three becomes one and again Three, while both are the only God. 660 Moreover, the local shepherd was persecuted then, But we especially honor the persecuted, And he began to use their pity as a shield. And to those people full of pride, There was a terrible shame in any concession; 665 I was treated to stones (I’ll leave them, I’ll say one thing: you chose the wrong goal, Almost killing in vain) I appeared before the arrogant authorities, It’s as if I’m a murderer or some kind of villain, 670 And there is no other concern than how to flatter people. I am faithful to God, nothing criminal I didn’t do it, I didn’t even think about it, And Christ himself helped me with a protective word - Defender of those who stand by His words. 675 Delivered the Prophet from fierce lions 17, He who saved three youths from fire with dew 18 And the church prepared in the belly of the whale 19, I was not put to shame by the judgment seat. Then confusion among supporters: 680 Everything is the same. Who are you with? With Paul, or with Apollos 20? But it was not they who, having become incarnate, shed For us, for all, your saving blood; So should we be called by their name or by God’s name?! But this strife in the church is endless, 685 As if there was nothing more to strive for! How will a fortress or an army survive? How will our blessed union endure, If the division of unity is stronger in them? And there was no greater misfortune at that time. 690 Having not learned to speak clearly, Having not yet passed the shrouds of infancy, Barely walking, oh beautiful child, You are trampled underfoot and in front of your parents Tormented and my infertility 695 Now this wolf's den hungers so much. Is it possible for a husband so insignificant in appearance, So poor, bent and weak, With fasting, tears, human malice And fear of the future to the exhausted, 700 Nondescript appearance, from head to toe To the traveler covered with road dust To prevail over the wise and strong? No, without a doubt! This is what they thought: “We flatter, you don’t, we honor earthly power, 705 You are piety, we love refinement in everything, And all your luxury is salt, but that’s what you The salt of our arrogance and stupidity? We are slaves of time and human whims, Keeping your nose to the wind has long been customary; 710 Our teaching is like a chameleon, its colors It changes constantly, you, most respected one, Stubborn as an anvil - isn’t that insolence?! You, believing in the uniqueness of the teaching, He made his path unbearably narrow, 715 Your words are vague and difficult for us. Why with your eloquent tongue You attract some, while others, who think falsely, Do you hit with perfect precision? Why be different for friends and foes, 720 For those, a magnet, and for these, an evil sting? Well, if all this is not a sin (and there is no sin here!), Why, I ask, are you indignant? And if it’s a sin, then – if you think so – Judge fairly, servants of God! 725 I may be guilty, but don’t touch the people, His only fault is his love for me And in the fact that he heeded the correct instructions. There lived in the city one effeminate man However, at first I easily tolerated Misfortunes are those that, like thunder and lightning, 730 At that time they broke out over my head. I have not yet been severely wounded And he could withstand everything that was sent, Hope added to my patience: It seemed to me that everything would end soon 735 And the matter will be limited to what happened. But no, later the troubles only intensified, Oh how can I describe them?! Where can I find the words?! O source of all evil, the demon of envy, How ugly were your deeds! 740 It wasn’t blood that broke me and it wasn’t clouds of lice, Not toads, dog flies, or cattle deaths, Not hail, not plagues and not pitch darkness, The death of the firstborn is not the last execution, What is in common with the waves of the Red Sea, 745 The people are embittered by the drowning, 21 were sent to Egypt for punishment. So what then? - Egyptian windiness. And an eternal monument to those sufferings Let what I say next be true. 750 So, then the effeminate husband is alone Lived in the city - an Egyptian scarecrow, Puppy, dog, street beggar, A mediocre and evil monster: He curled and dyed his own hair, 755 Transforming himself (not without reason Art is called the second creator). Usually only wives do this (And this suits their nature) Now we too, for the sake of a philosophical appearance. 760 Let the wise husband paint himself from now on! Not forever for these cunning women Be the first in temptation and cuteness! Especially now that Maxim is among us, After all, the curls revealed to us what was previously hidden: 765 What surprises in modern philosophers, So this is what is externally (and internally) They are bisexual in the most pathetic way, The wand is a sage, and the curls are a woman. Here comes Maxim, as someone very significant, 770 Sticking out his learning through the city He walked and boasted, and from his curls, Smart thoughts flew like from a sling. As they say, he has many bad ways He passed until he established himself in society. 775 I don’t have time to explore all this (Although in the archives of the city governors Proper evidence remains.) Being content with little is not his lot. Having a good sense of smell and a trained eye 780 (You can’t call his plan stupid), From the pulpit he plotted to depose me - Me, who saw the honor of the patriarchate It is only a means to guide the flock on the right path. He was so cunning that his plan 785 I decided to do it with my help! He was a sophist and a true master of tricks, And I am far from the intrigues of this world; I value the ability to express wisdom, In another, notice this, since it is given to him, 790 And the essence is to be seen in the Divine Scriptures. I want to make one remark here: I wish they were similar in strength Both sophisticated in malice and inexperienced. We would suffer a lot less from each other, 795 Since they were similar in character. And so, innocence is always a victim of malice. What a distortion in creation! How often unequals are bound together in life! How can a good person notice that a villain is being cunning? 800 He builds nets, constantly doing dirty tricks in secret, And while perfectly hiding all this? Vicious - observant, for his deeds He will always be able to look out for the right opportunity, And one who is inclined by nature to virtue 805 Not at all inclined to suspicion, And so good is conquered all the time. How clever he was in his affairs! This is Proteus of Egypt indeed! He began to converge with those who were completely 810 You agree with me. He shared then And shelter with me, and faith and intentions. Yes, without a doubt, he was a strong personality, A dog that rages against my enemies, And I always seem to be devoted. 815 Besides, he had already managed to pick up The illness of the priesthood is a serious consequence Adam's sin is innate envy. Oh, how tenacious original malice is! First, the dashing temper of two henchmen 820 He found himself, apparently hoping so To protect yourself, if something doesn't work out, And only then did the asp’s belly open. (One was an angel who became a vile demon, The second is a priest, a barbarian in appearance 825 And three times more barbarian in character). He was not deprived of honor by me, Not standing before the throne of God And yet he showed unheard-of anger. Christ, my Lord, impartial eye, 830 Hear my cry, since I can pray to You here! How to describe all this?! The sky is clear Suddenly it turned black and betrayal It covered us like the darkness of Egypt. First the spies appeared, 835 But not Caleb and Jesus, who were sent Once upon a time we were in the land of Canaan, 22 And all kinds of rabble are different feathers, Amon, Anubis, Hermanubis, Stip, Rodon And other Egyptian idols, 840 In dog or monkey guise, Lowly rabble, despicable mercenaries, Ready to sell without any difficulty For a small sum of all their gods. Then those who directed their profits - 845 Leaders worthy of their warriors, Or shepherds, if you can say that about dogs. But even though I’m ready to burst into speech here, Like tight furs, full of air, The furnace of the incandescent, or those bellows, 850 In which wine mash has fermented 23, – I will remain silent, out of respect for the primate, Why did he send them so thoughtlessly? And I shouldn’t blame those people either: They were led astray by ignorance and swindlers, 855 We are fed by cruel envy. Whoever is wise, let him solve my problem, It seems like I can't cope here on my own. After all, Peter, the head of those sent priests, First he approved me with letters, 860 Moreover, bypassing any ambiguity (Those letters can easily confirm this), He also honored me with signs of service; Has the girl suddenly turned into a doe? Unclear. Well, it will open someday. 865 Was it more feigned than this action? Is anything staged on the stage of life? And she has no rivals in stupidity either. One said women own everything Another gave power to guilt, a third to truth 24, 870 And I will say that gold is the strongest! Everything else is immediately eclipsed by it. Don't be surprised that we always have The mundane jokingly takes precedence over the spiritual. Where did this dog get the gold, you ask? 875 So, one priest came to us then, From Fass. It is funded by the church there I wanted to buy Proconnesian marble here. Maxim seduced the poor man by tying him up Countless empty promises - 880 The vicious quickly converges with the vicious, - And with the money he got, he bought himself A reliable and faithful assistant. And what, those who were close to me at that time, Suddenly they turned away, apparently having thought about it, 885 That friendship with the poor is useless, And instantly dishonor outweighed them. And then in the night (at that time I was lying sick) They came like wolves into a sheep flock, With a crowd of sea mercenaries who 890 Alexandrians stir with ease, So, having arrived with them, the matter is clear, They wanted to secretly, without notifying Neither the clergy, nor the flock, nor me, their shepherd, Elevate this dog to the pulpit, 895 Having said that this was ordered to them. This is how you repaid me, Alexandria, So let someone else honor you from now on! When morning came, the clergy who lived nearby I began to worry, the news spread to everyone, 900 People immediately poured into the street. Who was there in that noisy crowd! Our own, strangers, faithful, fallen away - Everyone was outraged by this lawlessness: For all my hard work - and so reward me! 905 Then they hastily left the church, Grieving that their goal was not achieved, But, so as not to leave their evil to the fruitless, They finished the action after all, And in the miserable abode of the choirmaster, 910 In the presence of some dark personalities, Honorable confidants of the Lord The dog was ordained to the patriarchate, Not bound, not brought by force (Because I was already ready for anything). 915 So, the cutting of the curls took place, Undoing years of work. But all this brought him only one thing - An ancient secret was revealed in his hair, Hair in which strength lies: 920 There was once, as the Bible tells us, Samson is so devoted to a woman that his hair Like the wind she cut off his ears of corn, Very much, thereby, pleasing his enemies 25. So, this shepherd, chosen by the dogs, 925 The shepherds began to regard him as a dog. And he began to run, abandoned by everyone, In the markets, picking up bones. Where is it? To herd sheep or decorate curls. And what did you decide? Should I grow them back? 930 Or will you just walk around laughing at everyone? And this is a shame, and this. Yes, it looks like it's here Only Judah 26 will judge everything. What to do with the cut ones? Maybe Give them to the theater or send them to the women? 935 Just what? Maybe those Corinthian women With which godly deeds Have you ever indulged so skillfully? Yes, you were a dog with exalted feelings. Only the city recovered from the blow, 940 That was caused by those vile deeds, Everyone gnashed their teeth, his life Branding with such zeal that their minds then With hearts in harmony, everyone trembled with rage. Everyone found it necessary to add something of their own 945 To the image of this scoundrel. As in the body, since a serious illness has come, And small ailments will all appear, That were hidden for the time being, for the time being, So it was with Maxim, all his sins 950 The last crime was discovered. But here I will shut my mouth. Probably He who speaks knows them for certain, And I will remain silent out of respect for the past. “After all, just recently he was your friend, 955 And you considered him worthy of praise,” So will everyone who knew those events say, And he wants to accuse me of being simple-minded, Like, I favored the most vile dogs back then. Well, I agree, that naivety is immoral, 960 I, like Adam, was deceived by eating. The poisoned fruit was too beautiful! 27 The mask of faith deceived her, he Oh, how skillfully he pulled it on himself. Nothing captivates a believer so much, 965 Like the piety of a neighbor, and genuine, And false, unfortunately. Honorable whim! We confuse what is desired with what is real. What could I do, O wise ones, Would you really have acted differently? 970 Seeing all the weakness of the Church of God at that time? I was glad then for the straw in the granary. One thing happens in years of abundance, Other in difficult circumstances. And it was a blessing that, living with me, 975 He honored Christ, and, say, not Dionysus. I believed that he was expelled from his previous places For faith, and not for shameful deeds; That's how the scoundrel seemed like a hero to me. A shameful sin, besides, I have already 980 I fell into it, but still, strict judges, I ask for your forgiveness, now I know What he considered ugly to be beautiful. I’ll say it even bolder: my unrestrained I am ready to give up my tongue to be cut off, 985 Whoever wants it, cut it, don’t hesitate! But it seems he Already truncated. After all, he has been silent for a long time And it’s unlikely that he’ll start talking again soon, I think for stupidity and punished, So that you learn not to be kind to everyone. 990 However, that’s enough, I’ll just say one more thing: Cunning is definitely incompatible with reason. If kindness has not made you noble, There will be no use by any means. And if it’s just a big sin to praise, 995 What is the one being praised like? It couldn't be worse. If this is true, don't ask more But no, you don’t have to trust me in anything. What could be more undeniable than this? But the dog was driven out, and in the most pitiful way, 1000 More precisely, as the scoundrel deserved, But, since the emperor in Thessalonica At this time he was preparing the death of the barbarians, Look what our scoundrel began to do: Having gathered that same riotous Egyptian rabble, 1005 Who had previously tonsured him so dishonestly, He is with this disgusting crowd The military man came to the camp, hoping By royal decree, to take over the pulpit for yourself, But, since they treated without hostility 1010 Then it’s sane to me and in general, I think He was driven out again like a vicious dog, And, spewing out terrible curses, Finally went to Alexandria, What he should have done long ago. 1015 There he appears to Peter, the famous With your skill, things are incompatible Sign without any hesitation; He drove the old man into a corner, demanding The throne that he previously set his sights on, 1020 Otherwise, they say, he will not leave the current one; In the end, the ruler, who feared And not without reason, that from this There will be unrest, he expelled him again. Now it seems to have calmed down, but it seems to me 1025 What is this cloud, driven away by the evil wind, Swollen with poison, it can easily And unexpectedly for everyone it opens up. The evil will never rest, At least he will be tied up for a while. 1030 Well, such are the Cynics of today, The barks of dogs are only similar to the previous ones: How else are you related to Diogenes? What do you need Plato and all the Peripatetics?! I don’t care about them, and at the same time about the Stoics! 1035 Until now Socrates was the wisest, but now It's time to correct the Pythia, let it now Our Maxim is considered the wisest! Has any mortal suffered as much as I suffered?! Moreover, over the years, the sorrows only intensified. 1040 I have experienced many troubles, I was saved from them, And so I thank fear, because it is me I directed my gaze to the highest, Passing without hesitation the transient. But I couldn’t bear the shame 1045 And I decided to take advantage of the occasion Get away from there. The thief was tonsured My friends supported me vigilantly, Like faithful and devoted guards, Keeping my spirit both at home and on the street. 1050 And people, seeing these intrigues, thought That division destroys faith. And then, unable to bear it, I did, I don’t deny, as if I was not a husband, but a naive young man. 1055 I began to change course painfully clumsily, A little more quickly, and everything would have happened quietly. And so, driven by pastoral care, Involuntarily I mentioned leaving... These are the words; “Keep the Trinity holy, That I, a father, rich in faithful children, I left it to you, and remember my labors.” As soon as I said this, someone, apparently, Of the most ardent ones he screamed piercingly; And then the whole meeting turned 1065 In a swarm of buzzing bees, disturbed by smoke; Everyone: women, men, elders, youths, Simple people and noble people, Soldiers and noble commanders - They were terribly indignant at my enemies, 1070 Burning for me with selfless love. But if I have legal appointments I didn’t accept it, it would have been difficult Accept me something not entirely legal. But they didn’t let up, vowing 1075 And with requests trying to convince me At least stay just so that the herd of them Protect from theft. Oh could I Looking at all this, can you hold back your tears?! O holy church, glorious Anastasia! 1080 Restored the buried faith! Like Noah's Ark of old, You have kept the seed of the new within yourself, The unprecedented world of the Orthodox. Then a countless crowd flocked to you, 1085 The fatal moment was approaching: who will prevail? And I stood as if in some kind of darkness Among the crowd, not knowing how to stop their screams, Was it possible? But also those requests 1090 I could not listen, because fear held me back. Everyone was sweating, lamenting Women have become hysterical, in vain They tried to calm the crying children, Meanwhile, the day was approaching evening, 1095 But everyone knew that they would not leave until I I will not give in to their requests, even if The church became a single tomb for everyone. And here one, apparently driven by grief, (Oh my hearing! It would be better if you were taken away at this moment!), 1100 He cried out: “You are taking the Trinity with you!” Realizing that things could end badly, I took an oath, but no, since the time How I was washed with the waters of baptism, I never swore, and that’s why 1105 I just said that I will not leave the city, Until the bishops gather here, As expected. This is what I hoped Get rid of worries that are alien to me. So they decided: everyone thought to win, 1110 At least he flattered himself with hope, - They thought that they could take possession of me, And I - that I don’t have long to stay there And the word of God shone again! (θεῖος δʼ αὖθις ἤστραπτεν λόγος) And the word of God shone again! It seemed that the fortifications had been restored, 1115 Our system, which was thinned, is strong again, And a winning strategy was found. Who came to us for the sake of true dogmas, Who was zealous for faith more than before, Seeing that I was persecuted, 1120 Others were brought back by the sermon on the Trinity, Once expelled from our churches (Not to say - long buried) - The father's voice, sounding again among the zealous, What was, fell silent, but now returns 1125 Like assurance from the graves of the uprising. They came to me for the sake of eloquence, And for the sake of past exploits, and some They saw me as their own creation. Whoever wants, let those who know do it, Who knows, let him tell those who don’t know - If there are still such people far from you Or from the current authorities in Italy. And let it remain for posterity An example of human misadventures, 1135 What time capriciously brings to our lives, Good and evil intertwined tightly. About the Orthodox, this royal fruit My torments are many, I’ll just say this, That there was no other shepherd at all, 1140 Who would confess their faith truthfully; And so, as a thirsty person hurries to the source, And wandering in the dark - towards the small light, They flocked to listen to my sermon. And on those who were alien to our faith, 1145 My words had an effect. Deviations from the right path There are many deviations from the right The paths that were shown to us, and all of them They lead you to the abyss. Scattered by the devil Along them are fragments of the Image of the Lord, 1150 That’s the catch: the enemy divided the teaching By division similar to Babylonian 28, From this, heresies proliferated. So, they believed that there was some kind of movement It turns the world and only it is divine; 1155 Others, professing polytheism, They prayed before the creations of their hands; And still others, denying God’s providence, All the luminaries were subordinated to their juxtaposition. And those from “God’s chosen ones”, that the Lord 1160 Crucified to give honor to His Father, As usual, they didn’t believe in angels, Or faith was reduced to petty rules, Or they denied the holiness of the books of the prophets, Or they put God the Word in the shadow of the Law. Heirs were also found for Simon Magus, That even in letters the essence of God was seen And they revered the Depth, the Silence, Aeons-androgynes and the Eternal, And two Gods were introduced (and the Testaments, they say, From the evil - the Old, the New - from the good), And the three natures of eternal abiding - Physical, spiritual and average. They honored the initial darkness of Manes, Montana's perverse spirit has not yet dried up, Novata arrogance; They also dishonored the Trinity: Or incompatible by mixing, Or the division of an indivisible essence; From these and other false teachings They grew like Hydra heads: 1180 Then the Holy Spirit is numbered among the created world, Then the Son was given there, and He is not eternal, And a contemporary of one of the Caesars, Then suddenly Christ turned out to be a ghost, Then the second Son was brought out for earthly affairs, 1185 But our mind remained outside of salvation. These, in short, were heresies - The origins of lies and all kinds of stupidity. Communion with God (πρὸς θεοῦ κοινωνίαν) But could any of those ideas of champions Won't you at least listen to me in those days?! 1190 Some were captivated by the power of Orthodoxy, Others - my ability to preach. I spoke without swearing, without hostility, Rather, on the contrary, with a feeling of compassion, Didn't enjoy vain inspiration 1195 Unlike many preachers, Are earthly power and the power of words similar? And I did not hide weaknesses in my speeches. So maybe the sea cuttlefish, Suddenly releasing clouds of ink, he hides 1200 From unwanted glances and judgments. I was meek, as I should be To the one who defends the Word of God, Which does not hurt and does not malice: If they argue, you easily resign yourself, 1205 And if someone is conquered for the Lord, This victory seems much more valuable. That's what it was in my heart, But there were rules besides these 29 are indelibly written on my tablet: 1210 First, talking about spirituality - Far from being the main method of piety, And secondly, don't rant About the mysteries of faith at feasts and spectacles, Among people who indulge in pleasures, 1215 Among the uninitiated and the atheists; There is no need to joke about sublime things And, without clearing your mind, preach. It is more important to fulfill God's commandments: Help the sick, feed the hungry, 1220 Do not leave prayer vigil And crying repentantly, on the hard to sleep, Fasting, mortifying rebellious feelings, To suppress laughter, slander, irritation, Thus, subordinating your flesh to the Spirit. 1225 There are many ways to salvation, Follow them, it’s not just rhetoric Leads to the desired communion with God; And simple faith is enough for us, And therein lies salvation for the majority, 1230 And if it were the lot of the educated, How poor our God would be! But if you love the word and really You suffer if speech does not flow from your lips, Well, let this remain with you; 1235 But speak with fear, with reasoning, Not to everyone and not everywhere, but thinking, How, what, to whom and whether everything needs to be expressed. “Everything is beautiful in measure,” the ancient wisdom teaches, “For everything there is an hour” - Scripture tells us 30. 1240 The region of Mysia and Phrygia is dissimilar, The words of outsiders and my words are different. They only see shadows, but whether they hit it or not At least in the shade - it’s not really important to them: There they do everything for show, for the young men 1245 Apparently counting on the impressionable. My goal is, if I speak the truth, And therefore the fear of God is in my speeches; My path goes between abysses, if you stumble, In an instant you will find yourself before the gates of hell. 1250 That's why I was careful, Sometimes speaking, sometimes listening carefully, Or even stepping aside altogether, Trusting the measure of caution. Hearing the tongue is more harmless, but sometimes more accurate 1255 Go away without even listening. Why kill your mind with snake venom? Why approach a mad dog? I took all this from Scripture, After all, I was raised by him from the cradle. 1260 This is how I raised my flock and, apparently, He was already a rich farmer, perhaps Not all the wheat was harvested from the field: In some places it has only been plowed and torn out The weed lies, in some places it is already sown, 1265 In some places timid shoots appeared - All the greens, but also the first stems of the ovary, And there it sprang up, and the field was whitened Waiting for the harvest. There the threshing floors are already filling up, The bread is winnowed, ground and baked, 1270 Thus crowning the farmer’s work; But now this bread does not feed the plowman, And no drops of sweat were shed at that time. God hands over the church (δίδωσι τὸν νεών θεὸς) We could end here so that it doesn’t have to be Not to say, but the importance of what happened 1275 A little later - he won’t allow you to do this. There were also encouraging events And what I don’t know what to say, I accepted everything gratefully... Meanwhile, Having expelled countless people from Macedonia 1280 And the wild anger of the inflamed barbarians, The emperor returns to the capital. He was a good man, with that faith What allows you to cope with the simpletons, He also revered the Trinity (as, in fact, 1285 And all whose piety rests On an unshakable basis) But still, he didn’t have that strength of spirit, To see the past in the present And correct the omissions of the past. There was jealousy in him, but it seemed there was no... How to explain? - courage or determination. Maybe he was just being sensible Preferring persuasion to force? I don’t know, because I think the same thing myself, And, in general, that’s all I preach. And what is achieved through coercion, He will take his at the first opportunity, Like an arrow drawn by an archer, Or a blocked mountain stream. 1300 On the contrary, good will, preserved Love with holy bonds is unshakable; And so he, casting aside intimidation, In matters related to doctrine, The law of freedom affirmed the unwritten. 1305 He was glad to see us, and I was even more so; Since then, both in the way I listened and in my speeches He was very kind to me... But is it worth it? It would be a shame If only I would appreciate trifles like this: 1310 There is nothing valuable besides God. Well, then it seemed impossible He said: “Our main church is now for you God hands over the imperial decision.” Like this. And passions were already boiling in the city, 1315 Things were heading towards unrest, and those who owned They would hardly have given up that church to us, Even if they were in danger of trouble. If I take it by force, their anger will fall on me, And fighting with me is an easy matter. 1320 So it was told to me, and I remember Then either fear or some kind of anticipation I have experienced it. O Lord, by your Cross And He called us not to run away from suffering, Send us comfort even now in sorrow! 1325 But the time has come. Church in advance The soldiers took up arms, Around you are countless, like the sand of the sea, The crowd, like thunderclouds, seethes With enmity and prayer at the same time: 1330 Enmity towards me, prayer to the emperor. There are people everywhere - men, children, women, Both old and young. All the squares and streets, Balconies of nearby buildings - all around It's packed with people. Screams, crying, confusion, 1355 As if this was a city taken by storm. And I, hero and valiant commander, Sick and frail, he walked aloofly With the porphyry-bearer next to him, looking up, With great difficulty catching my breath. 1340 Only hope led me to God. Then, and I don’t know how, I entered the church. However, here's something worth noting: There are people who see signs everywhere, And especially during important events. 1345 There were quite a few of them this time too. And although I am against all oddities, It’s still wrong not to notice them at all: Nothing better than undiscriminating faith Deny everything indiscriminately. Frivolity - 1350 In one, in the other - insolence is inappropriate. So, oh book, tell me about that miracle Both ours and future generations! The day has come, but - because of impenetrable clouds - Pitch darkness did not leave the city, 1355 For a celebration like ours, it couldn’t be worse; What is important here is the clarity of the sky and my enemies Of course, this darkness could not help but rejoice: Like, God doesn’t like what’s happening. I must admit, I was also saddened... 1360 But when we were with the emperor Already behind the fence, in the holy altar, And the people began, stretching their hands upward And shouting loudly, praising the Lord, Unexpectedly, as if by God's command, 1365 The sun comes out, the clouds part And the church, which was gloomy before, Filled with lightning-fast bright light And takes the form of the ancient tabernacle, In which the flame of God shone 31. 1370 All this added courage to people: The darkness in our hearts was dispelled, and the people became Me as the only thing they want To become bishops with a universal cry to demand: Like, the power will now be given to us 1375 An honor greater than the episcopal throne itself, If I am here to be elevated to the pulpit! Moreover, the nobility and the common people were united - That demand made them equal. About the same thing from the upper galleries and women 1380 They shout, almost forgetting decency, And the whole church is filled with a booming echo. And then, because out of confusion My voice has become weak, I am sitting He raised it next to me and into his mouth 1385 Included the following address to those who were there: “Contain your screams, moderate your ardor! Now is the time for the Eucharist, We’ll discuss everything else later.” The people answered me with applause - 1390 After all, everyone likes restraint. Approved us And the emperor, who soon retired. This ended the meeting, Only one thing was frightening - for humility The people, seriously excited, 1 395 The sword was drawn, drawn and sheathed. To heal with life-saving means What happened next will be difficult for me Tell the story without any vanity at all. It's not for me to do this. I'm confused I will come even if someone else praises me, 1400 That’s what it was like for me. However, I will try to keep it in moderation. I stayed in the church. Since he Became ours, the city as a whole calmed down, Although sometimes he burst into groans, 1405 Like that giant who was locked in the bowels of Etna, Breathing poisonous flames from there So what, good God, was I supposed to do?! Tell me, those in power today, A crowd of despised youths that is humility 1410 Considers impotence, but immorality And recklessness - courage - I had to To persecute, oppress and rage in every possible way, Taking advantage of the power that was then, Or heal with life-saving means? 1415 Two goals were achieved like this: moderation I could help soften them, And it would add respect to me. That path was the right one, and then it was the only one, And so I will continue to do so. 1420 Let everyone see, the Lord has power I trusted, and not on the whim of time! Why then do I need my faithful warner, A proven advisor – the Word of God?! Then everyone bowed to the ranks, especially 1425 By having access to the emperor (In which even men have a passion for money only). The Tsar's bedroom was simply besieged; Weaved intrigues, not disdaining slander, They gave and took bribes shamelessly 1430 And they traded in piety. What is there? They behaved shamefully. This is what I decided: Needing me is better than enmity towards me, And he walked away, thereby gaining respect. I gave my life to the Lord in repentance, 1435 And let the doors of the strong others be opened. Some then seemed to be tormented by their conscience, That they did not behave quite worthy, And they really hoped for the best, And so, having dispelled all fears, I began 1440 Do everything to make those hopes come true, To clarify, I will give one example: I was at home, receiving treatment (or relaxing, As the enemies said), with trials My infirmities always increased, 1445 How suddenly several commoners came to me Is. And with them a certain young man, Shaggy, pale, in beggar's clothes I tried, scared by everything, To rise on the bed, the same ones began, 1450 Perhaps, and with excessive zeal Praise our Creator and Autocrat For the new day that has come; and then to me Having also expressed my gratitude, Gone. And this young man is at my feet 1455 He suddenly collapsed, shaken by sobs. I tried to find out what was wrong with him And who is he himself, but only heavy groans The answer was, only my legs are stronger He squeezed, and tears flowed from my eyes... 1460 When he was removed with considerable difficulty, They told me: “He was sent to kill you, And it is only by God's grace that you are alive now. He came to us voluntarily with a confession - Criminal repenting 1465 For unshed blood, bitter tears.” I was touched and I remember saying this then: “May God have mercy on you! Saved It's easy to forgive unsuccessful villainy, Even if now through a crime 1470 You have become mine, from now on let your deeds They do not disgrace either me or the Lord! So I forgave his sin, and our city, Having learned about this, he soon calmed down, Softened like iron in a hot flame. 1475 I’ll say one more thing here: everyone is chatting, That since ancient times all the churches of the world were the first They keep countless treasures within themselves - And fees from the flock, and other valuables, - So, I couldn’t find a report about them 1480 In the papers of previous abbots, As, indeed, with the current custodians; I accepted it, no one else To check (as others would very much like) Not allowing the honor of the church to suffer. 1485 After all, we are responsible for what we have, And not for what could become ours; A slave to money will not share this opinion, But the highest love of money will accept it with joy. Greed defames the soul, but even more so 1490 She is unacceptable for a priest. If only everyone thought this way about acquisitions, He wouldn’t be in our church at all; But, unfortunately, the views of our shepherds They differ greatly from my view here. 1495 Besides this, I was accused of That our flock, formerly divided, She didn’t fill the churches, they say, the number is small! And everyone tried to belittle the dignity The one whose church and community have now become. 1500 This is what I was worried about, apart from Monks, converts, prisoners, The sick, the poor, the poor and strangers, And also psalmody, all-night vigils, Godly husbands and wives - simply 1505 All that God commanded us. But envy is vigilant But envy is incessant, whether openly or secretly She seeks to destroy everything that exists, And the beginning of new troubles was my power... Then (I don’t know what suddenly dawned on them) 1510 People came to us to confirm the department Church shepherds of all the East, From the most remote places (and only The primates of Egypt did not arrive). Their most virtuous husband led them, 1515 Whose modest gaze restrained any insolence, Simple-minded and full of Spirit, And with a strong disposition, in a word, he is God’s field 32. Who wouldn't recognize in this description Primate of the Church of Antioch?! 1520 The soul in him corresponded to the name, It was called honey, but that’s what it was. Without completely escaping the hand of the Evil One, He suffered a lot for the sake of the Spirit of God, Washing away your sin with glorious deeds. 1525 And those men, although I cried and lamented, They left the throne behind me, and yet I won’t hide it, and I have no right – not with all my heart Then I resisted this fate! This is due to empty hopes; 1530 Desire soon for vain hope, After all, everything is so simple if the spirit lives with a dream! And I was no stranger to such naivety... So I thought, since I got the power (She supposedly can do a lot too) 1535 I, as a highly experienced mentor, can Bring our two round dances into a common formation And, adding here, subtracting there, Unite what is inappropriately divided. Wasn’t this what the division turned out to be? 1540 The most severe and painful misfortune, Suffering hitherto unexperienced Neither the ancients nor our generation? It was more terrible than Israel, Persecuted by the murder of Christ by malice, 1545 Scattering around the notorious world. But these are universal teachers, Generous givers of the Holy Spirit, Whose thrones glow with the teachings of Truth And who are everywhere with loud voices 1550 Preaches about peace and harmony, They turned on each other in a frenzy. In the desire to find allies, Blaming others or pretending to be a victim, They, screaming uncontrollably and jumping, 1555 They tried to attract at least someone to themselves, And all in one passion - the passion to rule! Oh, how can I find words for this?! I’ll just repeat what was said before - The whole world lies in ruins due to their efforts. 1560 It seemed that we and the West had more faith, How we differ in place or nature: After all, despite all the differences, there is something in common, What could have connected the warring parties then? – It was not faith that divided (after all, it is not evil, 1565 Who believes), the entire battle for the throne was fought. What was the matter? Is it those two bishops? I knew both of them, both of a modest disposition, No, there were those who, hiding behind them, Poured oil into the fire, in a generally friendly argument 1570 Having seen perfectly his own benefit. (If we call something ugly beautiful). Then I had to partake of these troubles. When recently I already praised Primate of the Church of Antioch, - 1575 Filled with age and wisdom, Which, as you know, leads to reconciliation He called on everyone, both before and at that time, The Lord numbered the bright angels, And this husband was almost the whole city 1580 Accompanied solemnly on his final journey, And then, like a priceless treasure, He was taken to Antioch - there is only one question, Shouldn't have arisen, but it was put in place anyway Proposed by people of enmity and rebellion, 1585 His goal was to find his opponent again To the one who now has the pulpit. A lot of speeches were said then, And to the reconciliation of those who called, and to strife. And I expressed my thoughts 1590 About how we can get rid of these troubles. It's good to lose (καλῶς στέρεσθαι) Here’s the word: “It seems to me, my friends, Departing from the essence of the matter in his speeches, You intend to discuss tirelessly This is not at all what we should be discussing. 1595 For you everything comes down to one diocese, Now mercilessly torn apart by enmity, (According to your grace, it should be noted), - And you expect help from me with this? But the matter is both more important and significant, 1600 Look around the entire vast circle of the earth, Sealed with precious blood 33, That God, who took on human form, He shed for the redemption of our race, Captured by other victims as well; 1605 And now this world is shaking in discord Two for the sake of, say, angels - but is it possible Should they be rewarded with similar praise?! On the contrary, our angels should not To be the cause of strife and misfortune. 1610 Because the best is due to the best. While our righteous bishop was alive And we didn’t know how it would be accepted Bishops of the West, then we were Forgivable, perhaps, to upset a little 1615 These zealots of the law: his character Softened their anger, and for our quarrelsomeness The ambiguity of the matter was an excuse. Well, now, since the storm is over, And God gave a calm course to his affairs, 1620 Hear my word of caution, But the wisdom of the young still surpassed (Although the old man cannot tame their passion, That he only seeks glory). So let it now The one who remains will be the bishop there! 1625 And is it bad that we begin to mourn Left a little longer than expected? And there, old age will do its work, Bringing a certain kind to our family The outcome is good and inevitable. Righteous 1630 And this one too will go to the Lord, Having realized your cherished dream. And then with all the fullness of the church, With the assistance of the Holy Spirit of God We will confirm a new bishop there. 1635 Only in this is the solution to our difficulties. The benefit here is double: we will get again, What we lost before (and, as you see, The West is now alien to us), and to agreement Our city will come, tired of disputes. 1640 May this merciless hurricane subside! Have mercy on those who are in schism today! And how many can he seduce in the future?! None of us will see with our own eyes, What does a prolonged split threaten us with? 1645 We have reached the limit where it is decided To be our venerable dogma Or he will fall, destroyed by discord! The fragility of colors is not entirely deserved, But still the artist is accused of 1650 The bad temper of the students is reported to the teacher. And the communicant or performer of mysteries, If he is vicious, does he not blaspheme the sacrament? Let them defeat us in small things, so that in significant ones We will achieve success. May God save us 1655 And the lost world will help to return! Not every victory gives us honor, Sometimes loss is better than having. The Trinity and those of us know this. Who professes true faith, 1660 (Which is why the wicked hate us). I say this directly and sincerely, And with benefit to the subject of discussion, And if someone, being sold himself, Decides that I'm looking for someone's mercy here 1665 (After all, your voice will be bought here by those who And filled to the brim with inappropriate zeal), Or they will say that my selfishness is hidden here, Trying to hide his own baseness with this, Or to achieve greater influence, 1670 Well, let the last fire judge us! And let me, having left the pulpit, Live an unknown but peaceful life. I want to finally find peace from troubles, It's better than standing like this 1675 And not be able to convince others of his own, I don’t agree with them, common sense is correct. May he who can accept this rod rule, Becoming both the bad and the righteous heir! So, decide. My speech is over." 1680 That's what I said. They started croaking The raven is like a flock that suddenly appears. A pack of young troublemakers, a wild gang, A furious storm carrying dust. None of those who are accustomed to living in the fear of God 1685 I wouldn’t even talk to people like that. They are like a swarm of disturbed wasps, Which suddenly catches your face; And a host of venerable elders followed them, Without even trying to appease those youths. 1690 Now judge how praiseworthy their argument is: “Since, they say, everything moves after the sun, Let primacy be given to the East, After all, this is where the Word of God was embodied.” But we should hardly honor the course of the sun, Christ is the Flesh, and the truth, of our race It's a beginning, but you can say this: “God chose the first place in lasciviousness, Where His death would become inevitable; And only then came the Resurrection.” 1700 Shouldn’t such thinkers, Whose prideful stupidity is obvious, Give in to those who know the essence of the matter better. From the pool of the church (ἐκ βυθῶν ἐκκλησίας) But there was something worse than this: The pure source of our righteous faith, 1705 That I saw the Unity in the Trinity (As it was preached in Nicaea) - So, this source began to become polluted People whose faith is, let's say, changeable: Believe only in what the authorities want—the essence of it. 1710 They allegedly didn’t get close to anyone, So what? We found ourselves in an enemy camp. Bishops, but they only comprehend faith! Teachers yesterday, today they study, The chosen ones want to be chosen again! 1715 Mentors of the people for some reason suddenly They repent of their mistakes to everyone, But how? No tears! Isn't it true, it's a strange thing - Confess without a broken heart? That's it. But everything depends, as they say, 1720 Depending on the circumstances. How funny, isn't it? Such humor is not hard to come by, It won't work either with money or force. Oh, how complacent we suddenly became, We shout everywhere, we preach from pulpits: 1725 “Whoever wishes, feel free to enter the altar! And it doesn’t matter that you changed your faith more than once, 1726 a The theater is open and the celebration continues! Let no one remain indifferent! Roll the dice again, time is fickle And what you haven't been able to achieve before, 1730 Now you can easily get it. So don't hesitate! Is it always worth holding on to faith alone? What if there are many ways that bypass?” So what happened? Not an old idol Made of silver, iron, bronze and gold, 1735 With earthen legs we erected here 34? I'm afraid the stone will break it again. Alas, breaking ancient laws, We admitted the sons of Moab into the Church 35. But didn’t you approve of this yourself, tell me? 1740 And who had power at those councils? – Of course, someone's power was there (more I won’t say so as not to say something shameful) But the power of too many, and omnipotence After all, it is anarchy. 1745 Besides, illness came to my rescue, And, fortunately, I often stayed at home, Dreaming all about how I will go to the Lord And then how will all these troubles end... Well, what comes out should be accepted. 1750 True, there were people there, generally honest, That those decisions were made with great difficulty. Let ignorance be their excuse! They were deceived by the evil preaching, Outwardly similar to Orthodox teachings, 1755 In essence, it is alien to the origins of faith. But there was also a vile rabble of Christ-sellers; I will only accept these if they start mixing them With fragrant myrrh, stinking mud: When mixed, evil will be stronger than good. 1760 They didn’t like the “introducing novelty” (This is what the wise are called by the foolish) But even the wise hardly like them; And so, like Lot and Abraham, they went Each one within his own limits, but none of them 1765 Will no longer be embarrassed by the cramped pasture 36 . You, oh friends, have spent a lot of energy, Trying to persuade my gray hair! You gave me primacy, asking in return Some more loyalty. I am so faithful! 1770 But not your malicious loyalty. You wanted complete agreement in everything. In everything? Who thought of this before? Whom do I serve the majority or the Lord? The fire will soon seem icy to you 1775 And the rivers will reverse their flow, How can I deviate from the path of salvation? Since then I began to openly avoid All your affairs, from the whirlpool of the church Trying with difficulty to get out, to leave forever 1780 From scoundrels, meetings and empty speeches. Those who supported me are all simple people, They were very sad because of this then, They groaned and lifted up to the Lord Hands in prayer. What's there! Like a dead person 1785 They began to mourn me alive! Tell me, who can bear all this?! These are their words: “Are you really leaving us, Your ears of corn, your abundant harvest? The people you turned to the Truth? 1790 Who is at the door yet, and who is already inside, And who also went out to preach to outsiders. And what? To whom do you entrust your children? At least for the sake of the work laid down here, Dedicate the rest of your days to us and to the Lord, 1795 And then let me accompany your spirit to Him.” It took me a lot of effort to survive, But God soon granted deliverance... Threw off the shackles (ἔρρηξα δεσμὰ) They appeared, somehow hastily called, Egyptian together with Macedonian 1800 Mysteries and laws of God, executors. They appeared for the sake of peace, but suddenly there was a wind An unkind, cold western wind. So what? Immediately the East rebelled against them. And so with the grin of a boar on his lips (If expressed in imitation of a tragedian) They came together, their eyes shining fiercely. And in this discord, more attracted Passions than reason, and they are mine We decided to sort out the unfortunate matter, 1810 Raising outdated regulations, Yes, and not at all related to the case There was no enmity towards me or any intention in them Give the pulpit to someone else. But they wanted 1815 Those who brought me to annoy me, what are they talking about? They themselves told me in confidence, Because, they say, they were too arrogant Both in previous and recent manifestations. Until then, I am like a hobbled horse, Although he was bent by troubles and weakness, 1820 He continued to sort through everything with his hooves, It's sad to laugh about free pastures Dream, cursing the invincibility of your bonds. But only that matter was raised by them - I gave up power, taking advantage of the opportunity. 1825 And with joy! Even those prone to lust for power I probably won’t be able to convince you of this. I'll leave easily At the appointed hour, standing between them, I said this: “O men, God has gathered you so that you can Make decisions pleasing to Him, 1830 But my question is by no means of the first importance. Although I have been accused in vain, he is not worth it The attention of the cathedral is so high. Finally, direct your gaze to the main thing: Become one again! How long will we 1835 Everyone will ridicule them like barbarians, Those who only know how to breathe war?! Show goodwill towards agreement! And I will be Jonah and sacrifice By myself to save our ship 37, 1840 Although I am not at all to blame for this storm, Throw me into the sea, if it’s my lot! And there a hospitable whale will be found. Start your unity here and march Forward - let this place be called 1845 “Spacious” 38 – that is my honor! And it will happen That they only argued about me is dishonorable. I lay down the law for you: henceforth to the pulpits Don't fight. So you will get rid of many evils. I did not seek power and I will easily leave, 1850 Yes, and illnesses call for this. I owe only death. May God help you! But you are the only one who worries me, Trinity! Can you find a language that clearly defends Or at least sincere and zealous?.. 1855 Farewell. Remember my labors." So I said, striking them, and feeling A mixture of joy and sadness, he walked away: The peace to come was undoubtedly pleasing, But the thought of the abandoned flock was depressing. 1860 Who doesn’t mourn for orphaned children? Was there a reason for what happened? Known only to those people and the Lord; The common cause of shipwrecks is Invisible reefs... But it’s not for me to judge. 1865 There is no time to explore all the machinations of evil To those who are simple in heart and who are waiting for salvation - But I always gravitated towards him. Let me just say that in rare unanimity I was rewarded with immediate consent. 1870 This is how the fatherland honors its zealots. The Emperor applauds (ἐκρότει αὐτοκράτωρ) That's how it was there. What about the emperor? Bowing to his hand, did I humiliate myself? Did you make tearful petitions? Friends, those who are influential at court, 1875 Did he ask to intercede in his face? Or maybe he sprinkled gold in desire Should I keep this pulpit? No! This is all for lowly souls. And I, appearing before the autocrat, said so 1880 (And there are enough witnesses to this): "Great, omnipotent king, And I ask for mercy! Not about mosaic stones or gold For church utensils I am speaking here, 1885 Not about high posts for my relatives I pray, O greatest king! This is what we're talking about Only those who care are those who want little. I consider myself worthy of a better fate, So let me humble myself before envy, 1890 Let the thrones be read only from afar; I'm tired of seeing my friends hate me For the simple fact that he was completely given to the Lord. And finally call them to agreement, Even if it’s out of a desire to please you 1895 They will lay down their arms if there is no fear of God. You, who crushed the strength of the daring barbarians, And in this long battle, build a trophy! And from me, that then I’ll turn my gray hair I sprinkled a lot for God's sake, to endure 1900 Again demand difficult trials. After all, you know that I did not want the throne.” Then the emperor began, and after him everyone Applaud and I have achieved mercy, As they say, it was by force, but I achieved it! 1905 What else did I have to worry about? That such an outcome should be peacefully accepted And so as not to cause indignation People who loved me to violence. I reconciled with enemies, calmed 1910 All those who were with me, and especially Those who barely came to Church: they could not Accept that the shepherd is leaving them. The bishops also needed consolation, There were those who, seeing how it all ended, 1915 They ran away, as if from an evil storm, Just covering my ears in righteous anger And not wanting to observe with my own eyes, How my other will sit in the pulpit. That's all. Look, here I am - a living corpse! 1920 Beaten, but (isn’t it a miracle?) crowned! Instead of thrones with their empty arrogance Having acquired God and divine friends. Well, rejoice, wise men, and rejoice! Make up songs about my misfortunes 1925 And at feasts, in meetings, in churches, sing them! Like roosters, crowing heart-rendingly, Proclaim your triumph everywhere! Boast about him among the pompous fools! I am defeated, but I myself longed for it. 1930 And if so, what low envy Consider yourself a winner in battle! And if not, then be ashamed of your deeds! After all, you yourself raised me to the throne. What's next for me? I will find myself among the angels. 1935 And there will be no benefit or harm to me Not from anyone, because I will be with God. Let rumors fly like the wind; What is she to me? With praise and curses I've been showered with more than enough of it. 1940 I need one thing: to find shelter from evil, And with pure thought strive towards God, Having consoled the old age of a higher life with aspirations. Well, only my pain will remain for the churches. God brought me to this result, 1945 Having spent a life full of vicissitudes. Will it end this way, tell me, Lord, My path in the chamber of the ineffable Trinity, Whose even shadow, unclear and weak, Amazing me now? Historians call the second half of the 4th century the “golden age of patristic writing.” This was the time of the highest creative flowering of the Church. The theologians and preachers of that time, Saints Athanasius the Great, Gregory the Theologian, John Chrysostom, St. Jerome, St. Augustine and many others, owe the remarkable merit of combining the heritage of antiquity with Christian spirituality, which then reached its true maturity and fullness. The fathers of the 4th century enriched the Church with all the best achievements of Greek thought, thereby marking the birth of a new, Christian civilization. It was then that the poem offered to the reader was written. It should be noted that, in addition to the enduring theological significance, many creations of that time occupy a worthy place in the history of universal literature as such. Bearing in mind that deliberate didactics, reasoning and all propaganda in general are destructive for art, how can we not recall Shakespeare (Sonnet 54): Oh, how much more doth beauty beauteous seem By that sweet omament which truth doth give 39 ! Or it could be rephrased, for example, like this: The truth shines a hundred times brighter Under the vault of blessed beauty! However, not so long ago, Christians had no time for poetry. After all, poetic creativity is to a large extent the fruit of leisure, the fruit of free and calm contemplation and enjoyment of a peaceful life. And before the famous Edict of Milan, this was impossible to even think about. During times of persecution, shepherds barely had enough time to console the persecuted and reconcile the fallen to God. But in 313, Emperor Constantine gives Christians the long-awaited peace, which, nevertheless, brings to the Church, in addition to the burdensome tutelage of the state, many new temptations, much more sophisticated than during the times of persecution by the pagans. But in the field of ecclesiastical literature this world is reflected by the appearance of works of the highest artistic merit both in the East and in the West. However, it was not only the outside world that contributed to the appearance of these works. The reconciliation of Christian consciousness with ancient education that took place then had a very favorable effect here. Christians of that time, well aware of the difference between paganism and the classical poetry born in its midst, without fear for the salvation of their souls, were brought up on ancient authors and completed their education at the highest and then most famous secular school in Athens. The outstanding saints of the East Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian, having studied Greek literature perfectly, recommend reading classical poets to Christian youths (See, for example, Basil the Great. To young men on how to use pagan works; Gregory the Theologian. To Seleucus). In addition, there was one more circumstance to which we largely owe the appearance of the poetic works of the Church Fathers. The fact is that at that time the Gnostics, Arians and representatives of other non-Orthodox communities began to widely use poetry to preach their teachings. Thus, Arius wrote many spiritual songs, which were very popular among the people and were performed at public services. Apollinaris, according to the historian, “wrote many idylls for every occasion, both for work and rest, for holidays and other days; and his songs were sung by men, both at feasts and at work, and women at the looms” (Ermius Sozomen. Church history, book 6, chapter 25). The countless Avdians, Euchites, Pneumatomachs, etc., who were countless at that time, did not lag behind. And it is very likely that one of the goals of the church poets of that time was to ensure that their poems could be memorized and recited as a counterbalance to the hymns of opponents of Orthodoxy, which were very widespread at that time. The most outstanding Christian poet of his time, and most likely of the Byzantine period as a whole, was undoubtedly St. Gregory the Theologian, or Gregory of Nazianzen (as he is called after the name of the city, not far from which the saint was born and died and where his father was a bishop). It should be said that if he had not written a single poem, he would still have gone down in history as an unsurpassed orator, thinker, the most prominent representative of patristics and, in fact, an exponent of the Christian teaching about the Holy Trinity. The most important place in Gregory’s legacy is occupied by 5 Words, or Conversations, on Theology (27–31 out of 45), dedicated to the dogma of the Trinity: in fact, they brought Gregory the glory and name of the Theologian; According to various estimates, up to 245 letters from St. Gregory, many of which are of extraordinary historical and theological interest. In addition, St. Gregory was a prominent church figure and occupied the capital's see for some time. And so, as one immediately discovers when reading his works in the original, this father of the Church, one of the pillars of Orthodoxy, the Patriarch of Constantinople, possessed a very bright and original poetic talent. Blessed Jerome considered St. Gregory is the author of more than 30,000 lines of poetry. Although two-thirds of the saint’s poetic works have been lost, nevertheless, the volume of the surviving corpus is significant and numbers over 400 works. Most of the poems were written in the Arian seclusion (Arianz is a village near Nazianza), where the saint lived in his last years (383–390). According to the testimony of St. Gregory, he turned to poetic creativity, partly seeking consolation in belles-lettres, which he loved throughout his life, partly in competition with those authors whose works were always considered the property of pagan culture, and also for the sake of refuting heretics and instructing his own flock (Greg. Naz. Carmina de se ipso, 39, PG 37.1331:14–1333:9). The poetry of Saint Gregory continues the ancient tradition in those genres that were well known to him from his school days. He writes in quantitative verse, using hexameters, elegiac distiches, iambics, in particular, iambic trimeters, which he easily masters, as well as Aeolian poetic forms. At the same time, in his poems one cannot detect any Syrian influence, which is clearly visible not only in St. Ephraim, but also at St. Roman the Sweet Singer and even St. Methodius of Olympia. In his poetry, St. Gregory tried to put together and describe in verse all manifestations of Christian life. Even a quick comparison of the content of the verses with other works of the saint shows that they fully reflect the range of his theological interests. Choosing in his poems a language that is much more concise and at the same time more figurative compared to prose, St. Gregory expounds the doctrine of the incomprehensibility of God, His holy Fatherhood, about Christ the Logos and, at the same time, the Sacrifice, High Priest and Shepherd, as well as the indisputability of the Divine nature of the Holy Spirit. In the verses of St. Gregory sounds a call to a virtuous life and asceticism, they often talk about grace and church sacraments, often they are imbued with a feeling of love and paternal care for people close to him. It would be appropriate here to recall the assessment of St. Gregory as a poet, cited in one Russian literary magazine of the 19th century: “His psalter sounded like songs to the Divine, glorified virtue, thundered against vice, conveyed the high teaching of faith in elegant personifications, and was a fascinating teacher of pure Christian living. All poems of St. Gregory... are fascinating to the highest degree, sparkling with luxurious paintings of Greece; in them, the deep contemplation of nature is animated by the reverent thought of God's Omnipotence, which moves the harmony of the universe and grows the poor blade of grass; in them a clear look at human nature at the same time penetrates both the dark abyss into which man has fallen from the throne of innocence, and the luminous height where he ascends along the ladder of the cross; they have so much fire, so much soul that you can’t help but think they were written by a man in the full bloom of his years; but, on the other hand, they are scattered with thoughts that only long-term experience along the path of life can inspire... All the poems of the holy elder are lush and beautiful, like roses, from which you don’t know which one to pick in order to admire its beauty more closely. We would like the entire flower garden to be happily cultivated by the poetic genius of St. Gregory, was transplanted onto the soil of the Russian word" (quoted from: Govorov A. St. Gregory as a Christian poet, Kazan 1868, pp. 7–8). In addition, today the poetry of St. Gregory is also seen in the fact that it allows us to get closer to understanding the very personality of one of the greatest Greek theologians. The poem presented in our book is of a lyric-biographical nature and is the most voluminous of the poems of St. Gregory and, of course, the most significant as a source of historical information about him. The Russian text reproduces the poetic meter of the original with all the fidelity available to us and is the first poetic translation of the poem into Russian (as, it seems, into any other modern language). None of the Eastern fathers revealed to such an extent the inner world of their experiences and doubts, disappointments and hopes, as did St. Grigory. Catholic researcher A. Allman wrote not long ago: “Grigory’s biographer has it easy: his letters and writings are permeated with frankness. On the contrary, you have to step back a little, make a mental correction in order to withstand the pressure of this peculiar lyrical element. An incorrigible romantic, Gregory could not write anything without mentioning his anxieties and experiences... Therefore, any attempt at a biased trial of him turns out to be inappropriate” (Amman A. The Path of the Fathers, IV century, Gregory the Theologian). And, perhaps, one of the most difficult tasks that the translator faced was the conveyance of the living and immediate intonation of the Saint, in his heartfelt sincerity so alien to any kind of hypocrisy and pretense. Translator's afterword and comments THE PROPOSED COMMENTARY in no way purports to be exhaustive of the historical, philosophical or theological issues raised in the text. The only purpose of this commentary is to help meaningful perception and elementary understanding of the poem where it does not follow from the text itself. The publication of a poetic translation of a book of poetry should not duplicate numerous studies on Greek mythology, Christian heresies, individual historical realities, etc. - a meticulous reader will definitely turn to them himself and, first of all, familiarize himself with the critical edition of our poem, according to which the translation was made (Gregor von Nazianz. De vita sua. Einleitung, Text, Ubersetzung, Kommentar. Herausgegeben, eingeleitet und erklart von Christoph Jungck, 1974). 55 – St. Gregory the Elder converted to Christianity under the influence of his wife, and previously for a long time belonged to the religious community of the Hypsistarians (Ipsistarians, Ipsists); 126–127 – apparently, St. Gregory, by the tail in the constellation Taurus, means the Pleiades, whose early sunset at the beginning of October marked the beginning of winter storms (Hesiod, Works and Days 618 ff.; Aratus, Apparitions 266 ff.). 272–273 – St. Gregory is referring to various stories about ancient Greek philosophers, collected, in particular, by Diogenes Laertius. 350 - according to one of the myths, Zeus turned his beloved named Io into a cow to protect her from the wrath of Hera. But, stung by a gadfly, Io fled from Greece to Asia, and then to Egypt. 409 – see Plato, Republic 590b. 449 – “the other is Bishop Anthimus of Tyana. 526 – parents of St. Gregory died within a few months of each other in 374. 529 – refers to the Sasim department. 548 – according to the apocrypha of the Acts of Paul and Thekla, Thekla was converted to Christianity by the Apostle Paul in Iconium. Apparently, St. Gregory retired to a monastery located near her tomb (according to one version) in Meriamlika, near Seleucia in Cilicia. 609 ff - we are talking about the heresy of Apollinarianism. 632–634 – heresy of Paul of Samosata, in 260–268 bishop of Antioch. 66o – Demophilus – Arian bishop of Constantinople. 690–694 – St. Gregory speaks about the Church of Christ. 808 – Plato called the sophists prone to empty verbal intricacies the Egyptian Proteas (see Euthydemus 288 b and c). 851 – to Bishop Peter of Alexandria. 863 – Agamemnon, the leader of the Achaean army that opposed Troy, sacrificed his daughter Iphigenia to Artemis, whom she saved by replacing her with a doe on the altar. 877 – Proconnes (modern Marmora) is an island in the Sea of ​​Marmara, part of the Princes’ Islands, where the famous white marble with characteristic grayish veins has been mined since ancient times. 889–890 – above (Art. 577) St. Gregory has already described Alexandria as “a stormy city that has lost its reason.” 1020 – i.e. the throne of Constantinople. 1035–1036 – Plato reports that the Delphic oracle called Socrates the wisest of men (Plato, Apology of Socrates 20 e-21a). 1130–1132 – St. Gregory is referring to the two centers of Eastern and Western Christianity, Constantinople and Rome (or Milan), which, of course, were well aware of what had happened, so that they could remain ignorant only far from the capitals. 1153–58 – here St. Gregory talks about different types of paganism. 1159–64 – we are talking about various movements of Judaism, including the Sadducees, Pharisees, Samaritans and the Judeo-Christian community of Nazarenes. 1165–72 – Gnostic sects, such as the Valentinians. 1175 – it follows from the text that we are talking about the split of Novatus. However, it is known that in the 4th century it no longer existed as such. Perhaps St. Gregory speaks here of another, more tenacious Novatian schism, connected in a certain way with the Novatus schism. For more details, see, for example, Posnov M.E. History of the Christian Church, Part I. First period (30–313), chapter 3. 1175 – 77 – Savelianism and Arianism. 1180–1285 – followers of the Bishop of Constantinople (about 342) Macedonia, Arians, Photinians (followers of Photinus, Bishop of Sirmium), Docetes, Apollinarians. 1281 – Emperor Theodosius I the Great. 1312–1313 – Church of the Holy Apostles, which at that time belonged to the Arians. 1405 – Typhon, in ancient Greek mythology, a powerful giant generated by Gaia, the personification of the fiery forces of the earth and its vapors. He was cast down by Zeus into Tartarus, and the flames emanating from him shot out from the crevices of Etna. 1514 – Meletius, in 360–81. Bishop of Antioch. 1560 – here and further by the West, western and. etc. St. Gregory names the Alexandrian Church and its bishops. 1565 – Meletius and Peacock; For more details on the disputes over the Cafe of Antioch, see, for example, Art. Ecumenical Council II (I Constantinople) in the Orthodox Encyclopedia. 1804–1805 – see Euripides, Phoenician Women 1380. 1810 – apparently, 15th rule of the Council of Nicaea. See, for example, Bishop Nikodim (Milash), Rules of the Holy Orthodox Church with interpretations. That is, Moses, see Ex.19, 16–19 For the Egyptian plagues, see Ex. 7–11 Wed. Eph.1, 13 and 1 Peter 1, 9 The beautiful is a hundred times more beautiful. Crowned with precious truth. Per. S. Ya. Marshak