St. Tikhon Zadonsky`s “Flesh and spirit” and other earlier works as the basis of his “True Christianity”

In this article, for the first time it is proved that St. Tikhon Zadonsky created “True Christianity” on the basis of his earlier works, especially, “Flesh and Spirit” (Archpriest Paul Hondzinsky`s hypothesis is specified & confirmed). Genetic connection of both texts is established with the help of their careful comparison. Some comparative tables are given as an example. The Saint`s methods of work are shown: his early texts are revised into a rough copy, the rough copy - into the final version. At each stage of revising, the Saint tries not to miss the ideas found before, to supplement them with new ones; for this purpose, he constantly collates the text being created with his early editions. Simple and brief moral points of “Flesh and Spirit” are revised into deep, detailed and quite often poetical texts of the extensive textbook based on morals and ascesis. The materials proving that St. Tikhon`s rough copy is not connected with his “Tver lessons” are summarized. A new hypothesis is put forward: in Tver St. Tikhon delivered Theology lectures using Joasath Mitkevich`s teaching materials, who was his teacher.