Why is Holy Tradition important and How Does it Relate to Scripture?

The foundation of the church and its practices is Christ and Holy Tradition, which refers to the teachings and practices of the early Christian Church were passed down through a combination of written and oral traditions. The early church did not have a universally recognized canon of New Testament books, but the Apostles insisted that their followers hold true to the traditions they taught, which is now known as Holy Tradition. It was several hundred years before there was a common collection of books used in the early churches that we now know as the New Testament.    

In the growth of the early church the Apostles insisted that the followers  hold true to the tradition they taught. 

“I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I have delivered them to you” (1 Cor. 11:2). 

“So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter” (2 Thess. 2:15). 

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is living in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us” (2 Thess. 3:6).

The Orthodox Church has always preserved the original teachings of the Apostles through the continuity of its practices, liturgies, sacraments, and writings of the early Church Fathers, in addition to the New Testament. 

There is a serious error that is inherent in many churches that came from an innovation introduced by Martin Luther, Sola Scriptura or Scripture Alone. This is the belief that scripture alone is the final authority for Christian faith and practice. They will often challenge Orthodox Christians when we talk about our faith saying, “Where do you find this in Scripture?” Their view of the church is limited to a book. They rejected Holy Tradition that was not recorded in the books and letters of the New Testament. In a sense they whitewashed the richness and completeness of the faith established in the early Church. 

The Orthodox Church has maintained this full richness based on Holy Tradition. It gives us the completeness of the faith as the Apostles taught. Holy Tradition includes, in addition to the New Testament, the results of the Ecumenical councils defending the nature of Christ, the liturgies and sacramental practices practiced since the earliest days of the Church, hymns, iconography and writings of the early Church Fathers. Nothing of Holy Tradition is contrary to Holy Scripture. With it we have the fullness of Christian Faith based on continual practices of the Orthodox Church from the time of the Apostles.

The Bible is an important part of Holy Tradition, and the Gospels give us the story of Jesus which is the basis of our Trinitarian faith. The official Bible for the Church is the Greek Bible (1904 text of the Ecumenical Patriarchate), and the Orthodox Study Bible that uses the New King James Version is recommended for general reading. However, I don't suggest that you read it analytically as Protestants do, but rather prayerfully and with the help of the interpretations handed down through th Church Fathers.

It is recommended to read The New Testament as a story written by eyewitnesses without trying to determine doctrine, as doctrines included in the Creed. Reading the Bible prayerfully every day and letting it speak to one's soul builds faith, which leads to receiving God's grace that is nourished by the sacramental life in the Church and ascetic practices like prayer and fasting. St. John Chrysostom, in his 2nd Homily on the Gospel of Matthew, encouraged believers to approach Scripture with a prayerful attitude, saying: "If we wish to understand the meaning of Holy Scripture, we must pray for the help of the Holy Spirit, who will guide us into all truth."

Remember that the New Testament was written by faithful men who were eyewitnesses and God inspired. Analysis as you read may turn the story into something akin to studying a text book on philosophy where you seek to extrapolate hidden meanings, or use logic to compose arguments and innovations. If you come across something you don’t understand or find hard to believe as you read, do not doubt, but instead assume that you are not yet ready to grasp the full meaning or reality of that event. Overtime more and more will be revealed through your reading. 

If you choose to engage in a Bible study group, it should be under the guidance of Orthodox clergy within the context of a local parish and with full respect of Holy Tradition. It's important to be wary of other kinds of social oriented study groups. If for business reasons it’s important to participate in such groups, be sure to take your Orthodox Study Bible with you so you can share the interpretations provided by our Church Fathers. It’s best to avoid such social oriented groups. If there are no Orthodox clergy available then choose a study group with careful discernment. Bible study should be primarily oriented to discussions about how to apply Scripture to our daily life and our full participation in the Holy Tradition of the Church. 

Keep in mind that the Church is founded on Holy Tradition that is the living and dynamic transmission of the teachings and practices of the Church from generation to generation beginning with Apostolic times. Holy Tradition ensures the continuity, unity, and vitality of the Church's teachings, practices, and worship.