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Head of the Department of Moral Theology of the KDA, Archpriest Dimitry Grigorak, on the dissertation of His Eminence Anthony (Fialko), Bishop of Khmelnytsky and Shepetovsky, “St. Demetrius of Rostov and his shepherding,” submitted for the degree of candidate of theology The topic of the presented work is undoubtedly very interesting and relevant. Despite the fact that there are already studies (articles, monographs) about St. Demetrius of Rostov, his personality, heritage, his role in the history of Russian spirituality and significance in the history of the Church are of enduring interest. The author of the dissertation rightly notes in the introduction that “Divine Providence was pleased to call St. Demetrius, Metropolitan of Rostov, to serve the Church in difficult times for the Russian state” (p. 42). Saint Demetrius was distinguished by his high humanism, exceptional education and breadth of views for those times, a thirst for beneficial changes in the life of society and indefatigable activity. With deep humility and great wisdom, St. Demetrius had great courage and boldly denounced the Tsar himself: “Today everyone will stand before you, but the morning is dead, who will fear you? Today you are unapproachable, and in the morning you lie in the tomb, trampling everyone underfoot,” this is how the saint addressed Peter I in his sermon, denouncing those who are subject to fits of violent anger. In another sermon, the saint contrasted Christ's feast with Herod's feast, branding drunkards and adulterers who went from Bacchus to Luther and abolished fasts in the regiments. This was an unambiguous protest against the royal decree that abolished fasting in the regiments. (The dissertation author briefly mentions this sermon in the last chapter of his research - “St. Demetrius as a preacher, teacher, hagiographer”). However, in less fundamental matters, St. Dimitri Rostovsky knew how to yield, distinguishing the main from the secondary. So, to the question: “By decree they bleach our braids, but we are ready to lay down our heads for our braids. Holy Master, what do you order? - the saint jokingly answered: “What will grow back: a cut off head, or a shaved hair?” Subsequently, on this topic, St. Demetrius of Rostov dedicated a separate treatise “On the Image of God and His Likeness in Man,” because he understood that in Russia, where a beard has long been considered a sign of the likeness of God, people resist the royal decree for fear of eternal destruction. These are just a few of the many examples of the high pastoral service of St. Demetrius: the ability to raise one’s voice in defense of the truth, regardless of secular power, and attention to the last of “these little ones,” understanding their needs, needs, faith and fear. The first chapter of the dissertation research, “The Life of St. Demetrius of Rostov and the State of Shepherding in His Time,” contains similar examples. So, on p. 56 talks about how the Tsar “zealously treated the saint with wine,” and he obeyed the will of the Sovereign, but did not answer questions, limiting himself only to blessings. One can agree with Bishop Anthony that this testified to the “spiritual and pastoral wisdom” of the saint. However, there were cases when the wisdom of the saint was manifested in formidable denunciations of the king, and he, struck by the spiritual greatness of the saint, was forced to remain silent (and this is the formidable Peter I!). In the chapter “The moral character of a shepherd according to St. Demetrius of Rostov” and the following chapter “Pastoral counseling according to St. Demetrius”, it is valuable that the author provides information about the pedagogical activity of St. Demetrius of Rostov, about his zealous labors in the field of spiritual enlightenment of the younger generation (pp. 60–61 and pp. 159–166). The history of the “school, Greek and Latin” that he created and the closure of this school, so dear to him, without his knowledge and in his absence, is one of the most glorious and at the same time one of the most tragic episodes in the life of St. Demetrius of Rostov. This is evidence of his love for enlightenment, for genuine culture and knowledge, his heroically selfless service to the Church and courage in the performance of his pastoral duty. The author of the dissertation reveals the cultural and educational side of the pastoral activity of St. Demetrius of Rostov, reflected in his teaching, apologetic, theological, dramatic and poetic works, which are equally marked by excellent style, brilliant talent and a desire to morally improve people. St. himself Dimitri Rostovsky valued them very much: according to his will, drafts of his works were placed in his coffin instead of a pillow. In general, the author of the dissertation did a very great job and gave a fairly coherent, systematic presentation of his complex and multifaceted topic. Regarding the design: the author is recommended to correct the title page of the work, since it is made according to the old model. I believe that the author of this work, Bishop Anthony, can be awarded the academic degree of Candidate of Theology.