Development of moral theology in the 19th century at the St. Petersburg Theological Academy

The article is devoted to the problem of finding ways to develop moral theology by the 19th century moralists of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy. Particular attention is paid to the issue of the relationship between morality and ascetic practice. If, from a Christian point of view, moral activity is unthinkable without ascetic practice, then should asceticism be considered as an independent way of acquiring the grace of God? Is asceticism the basis of moral activity conditioned by the Supreme Good, as stated in the parable of the Last Judgment, or is it the ascetic path of the hermits of the desert, whose practice should be extended to everyone? M. M. Tareev drew attention to the contradiction that was present in the interpretation of this problem by Protopresbyter John Yanyshev in the first and second editions of his Orthodox Moral Theology. Considering asceticism as a necessary condition for a moral attitude towards God, man and nature, Protopresbyter John Yanyshev in the second, expanded edition turned to the patristic experience of the great Christian ascetics as presented by St. Theophan the Recluse.