TRADITION: The Truth of our Faith

Erica, of a Catechumen’s Walk, had asked: “Why do we hold this particular set of beliefs, and not that one?” This is an excellent question which deserves an answer. In partial fulfillment, here is Elder Cleopa of Romania:

The Church of Christ determined the truths of the faith, according to the long course of Tradition, through the teachings and canons of the holy Oecumenical Councils, decrees and the Symbol of Faith [The Creed], and with confessions [of Faith] by holy and wonderworking hierarchs such as were made at the many local synods which have been held continuously since the days of old. At these synods the authenticity and genuineness of the holy Orthodox Faith was firmly established, primarily therein where it was attacked by the existing heresies of the time. From the totality of such synods appears the irrevocable and inalterable content of Holy Tradition. This is understood when you examine closely the essence of the following conditions:

* Does no sanction conceptions that contain inconsistencies amongst themselves or contradictions with the apostolic Tradition and Holy Scripture. (A teaching is to be considered worthy of “Tradition” when it stems from the Saviour or the Holy Apostles and is directly under the influence of the Holy Spirit.)

* The Tradition is that which has been safeguarded from the Apostolic Church and has an uninterrupted continuity until today.

* The Tradition is that which is confessed and practiced by the entire universal Orthodox Church.

* The Tradition is that which is in harmony with the greatest portion of the fathers and ecclesiastical writers.

When a tradition does not fulfill these stipulations, it cannot be considered true and holy, and consequently cannot be considered admissible or fit to be observed.

Taken from The Truth of our Faith, pp.57-58.