Philosophical allusions in Byzantine ascetic writing (analysis of the "Instructions on good morality and holy life, in 170 chapters" by St. Anthony the Great)

The article discusses the specifics of Christian Hellenism using the example of the maxim genre popular in Byzantine ascetic writing. Analyzed is the text of “Instructions on Good Morality and Holy Life, in 170 Chapters” by St. Anthony the Great. There are some thematic groups of philosophical allusions which are revealed and after that made are comparisons with ancient texts of the corresponding subject. It is concluded that “Instructions…” is a text typical for an eclectic Christian-philosophical ascetic tradition, based on knowledge of the traditions of the Platonic, Epicurean and Stoic schools: in particular, knowing the doctrine of cardinal virtues, the immortality of the soul, the dominant role of reason in achieving impassive and immortal beatitude. These facts give reason to believe that it cannot be definitely considered that the authorship of the “Instructions…” belongs to the St. Anthony the Great.