3. Содержание текстов

The treatise “On Paradise” has 59 chapters, divided into 8 parts and an introduction The structure of the treatise is as follows. Description of the issues discussed in the treatise. Invoking the grace of the Holy Spirit to facilitate understanding of what is being presented. About the creation of the primordial paradise. Man as a great world in the visible world as a small one (chapter 3). That after the incarnation of God the Word there is no need for a sensual paradise. Through obedience to Christ, the conduct of divine and human affairs is possible (chapter 7). Further, the entire treatise is divided into 2 large sections. A. Consideration of sensory paradise. (Part 1). Part 1. Ch.8–17. About sensual paradise. The visible world is like a second paradise. In it we must be born for the feast. “The Case of Angels” (chapter 13). If we contemplate the structure of our nature without experience and carelessly, we will see only a sensual paradise. Tree of Life - God Himself. The Tree of Knowledge is the structure of man (chapter 17). B. Consideration of an intelligible paradise. (Parts 2–8) Part 2. Chapters 18–20. An intelligible paradise. Man is a great world (chapter 19). Tree of Life – Holy Spirit. Tree of knowledge - feelings (chapter 20). Part 3. Chapters 21–24. Antinomy pleasure - suffering. Part 4. Chapter 25. The foundations of original evils. Part 5. Chapters 26–29. An allegorical consideration of an intelligible paradise. About the powers of the unreasonable part of the soul (chapter 27). Part 6. Chapters 30–33. Paradise is the valley of practical philosophy. The gates of heaven are humility and love (chapter 31). The Tree of Life is mystical theology, and the Tree of Knowledge is natural contemplation (chapter 33). Part 7. Chapters 34–48. Cultivation and preservation of an intelligible paradise. Theology about the peculiarities of the divine nature (chap. 38–41). Theology of the Incarnation (chap. 42–47). Part 8. Chapters 49–59. The Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God. Ladder of ascent (chap. 49–54). Gifts of the Holy Spirit (chap. 56–57). Deification (chap. 58–59). 3.2. Letters relating to the treatise "On Paradise" Letter 1 – Nikita Stifata to Nikita Koronidsky, Chartophylax and Syncellus. Letters 2 and 3 – Nikita Koronidsky’s response to Nikita Stifat. Letter 4 is his response to Nikita Koronidsky. 4.5–4.9: The relationship between soul and body. Letters 5 to 8 – Nikita Stifata’s objections to the sophist Gregory. 5.4–5.5: The need to follow the meaning of what was said, not the letter. 5.6–5.12: Position of the angels. 6.1–6 3: Use of the term “paradise.” 6.4–6.11: Paradise – New Jerusalem in Heaven. 7.1–7.4: Christ and the saints at the throne of God. 7.5–7.7. Teacher's dignity and measure of a layman. 8 5–8.7: Storing feelings.