ASCETICISM: I subdue and enslave my body, not just in order to preach more, but in order not to preach to others, so that I myself may not remain unworthy (1 Cor. 9:27). He who suffers in the flesh ceases to sin. (1 Peter 4:1). Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts (Gal. 5:24). The Kingdom of Heaven is taken by force, and those who use force take it away (Matt. 11:12). All ascetics abstain from everything (1 Corinthians 9:25). Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself (Matt. 16:24).

Controversy

Monasticism is an obstacle to preaching. The sermon does not have to be delivered from the pulpit or stadium. Thousands came to Sergius of Radonezh and Seraphim of Sarov. They lit millions of hearts! And there are many such monks. The Church is glorified and multiplied by them! When was monasticism flourishing in the history of the Church? And when was the flowering of Christian preaching? (at the same time!).

SPIRITUAL RANKS

FATHER. Do not call anyone on earth your father, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. (Matthew 23:9). Verses 8 to 10 are spoken of the Pharisees. They, being called fathers, considered themselves superior to others. This meaning of the word "father" applies only to God. We are talking about the moral contamination of this naming, and not about the naming itself.

What is more important: the body or the spirit? Is not the spiritual father greater than the bodily father? So why can't he who begat more be called father? Though you have thousands of teachers in Christ, but not many fathers, I have begotten you in Christ Jesus through the gospel (1 Corinthians 4:15). Abraham became the father of all believers (Rn. 4:11). I ask thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have borne in my bonds" (Philem. 10). There is no one who would leave home... or my father... for my sake and the Gospel's sake, and I would not have received it now... a hundred times more... Fathers (Mark 10:29-30). My children, for whom I am again in the pangs of childbirth, until Christ is formed in you (Gal. 4:19). The Apostle John called believers his children (3 John 4; 1 John 2:1; 18) and called others fathers (1 John 2:13). My son, Timothy... (1 Timothy 1:18). Paul was a virgin, be strong, my son (2 Timothy 2:1). Paul called Titus a son in faith (Titus 1:4).

TEACHER. And do not be called teachers, for you have one teacher, Christ. (Matthew 23:8) We call the one who thinks a thinker; who serves - a minister; builds - by a builder. And what do you call the one who teaches?! Paul: I have been ordained... a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth (1 Timothy 2:7); 2 Timothy 1:11. God has ordained others... Teachers... Are all the apostles? Are all prophets? Are they all teachers? (1 Corinthians 12:28-29). Continue in the ministry; whether a teacher is in teaching (Romans 12:7). Become a few teachers, knowing that we (teachers) will be subjected to greater condemnation (James 3:1).

MENTOR. And you are not called teachers: for you have one teacher, Christ (Matt. 23:10). You have thousands of teachers in Christ (1 Corinthians 4:15). Obey your leaders (Heb. 13:17). Remember your leaders (Heb. 13:7).

TRADITION

This is not an additional block of information, but an unchanging way of interpreting the Scriptures and the work of Christ. Foreknowledge is the meaning and content of Scripture. The Bible is not a self-taught book, but an internal church book. A correct understanding of the Bible is not equal to a knowledge of its text, otherwise all sects possess the text, and would possess its meaning! The criterion of truth in the understanding of Scripture is the degree of belonging to Tradition. The ignorant and the unconfirmed pervert the Scriptures (2 Peter 3:16). Therefore, Brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you have been taught, either by word or by our epistle (2 Thess. 2:15). What you have heard from the beginning, let it abide in you: if that which you have heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father (1 John 2:24). I praise you, Brethren, that you remember all my things and keep the tradition as I have handed it down to you (1 Corinthians 11:2). We bequeath you, Brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to depart from every brother who walks disorderly, and not according to the tradition which you have received from us (2 Thess. 3:6). Oh, Timothy! Keep what is given to you, turning away from worthless empty talk and reproach of falsely named knowledge (1 Timothy 6:20). Hold fast to the pattern of sound doctrine which thou hast heard from me (2 Timothy 1:13). What did you hear from me... handed down to faithful people (2:2) What you have learned, what you have received, and have heard, and have seen in me, do it (Phil. 4:9).

Controversy

Tradition was necessary before the canon of the New Testament. A correct understanding of Scripture is part of Tradition. It is inseparable from the text. The absence of Tradition, in the presence of a text, is a thousand sects, and all of them are "right," for "sola Scriptura" does not set limits to interpretation.

By observing the Scriptures, one can be saved without Tradition. It is possible by observing all the Scriptures, i.e. by adhering to Tradition. (2 Thess. 2:15).

The Church only stated the already established canon. All the Ecumenical Councils were of the same nature, but they have the most important significance for the general Christian dogma and belong to the OC, as well as the Carthaginian (397; 419), Hippo (393) and the Epistle of Athanasius of Alexandria (367), which determined the canon.