This most detailed study of the life, pastoral works and writings of St. Irenaeus of Lyon (c. 130-202) has no analogues in Russian church historical science. The book examines and most carefully analyzes almost all questions relating to the details of the life of the great father of the Church (origin, early years, acquaintance with St. Polycarp of Smyrna and the “presbyters”, trips to Rome and the bishopric in Gaul, the fight against Gnosticism, Montague). nism and other false teachings, participation in Easter disputes and much more), as well as his fruitful literary activity, especially in the creation of the main works of St. Irenea - “Against Heresies” in five books and “Proof of the Apostolic Preaching.” According to the author of the book, “almost not a single outstanding phenomenon of church life of the 2nd century could have happened without his participation. Such a person cannot but be of interest to the history of the Church..... the principles and views that St. revealed and defended in his works. father, also form the basis of the doctrine and practice of our Orthodox Church. We accept the canon of St. established in the first centuries. the book of the New Testament, Church Tradition as a source of doctrine along with Holy Scripture, we recognize the highest authority of bishops; We hold, in essence, the same views on other dogmatic issues (with the exception of chiliasm) that are revealed in the essay “Against Heresies.” The life and teaching of Irenaeus is therefore of even more interest and significance for us Orthodox Christians.” For all those interested in the history of the ancient Church and the formation of Orthodox dogma.