Holy Tradition and Scripture

Holy Tradition refers to the living transmission of the faith, encompassing not only Scripture but also the teachings, practices, and sacramental life passed down through the Apostles and their successors. It includes everything from the formulation of doctrines in the Ecumenical Councils to the liturgical worship, prayers, iconography, hymns, and the lives of the saints.

While Scripture is indeed divinely inspired and central to the life of the Church, it is only part of the broader context of called Holy Tradition. The New Testament itself was born from the Church, written by members of the Church under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, discerned which books were authoritative and canonized them. Before the canon was settled, the early Christians already had a living faith, guided by the oral teachings, the writings of the Apostles and the ongoing way of life.

 Scripture and Tradition are not two separate sources but complementary expressions of the fulness of the Apostolic faith. Holy Tradition is needed to  interpret and preserve the correct understanding of the Scriptures. Offering more than mere intellectual knowledge or reading. Salvation is about participation in the life of Christ through His Body, the Church. This life includes the sacraments, particularly Baptism and the Eucharist, and the ascetic disciplines such as fasting, daily prayer, and almsgiving—essential  practices, handed down through Tradition for the Christian journey toward theosis (union with God). 

Our spiritual life requires more than a book, it entails building a loving relationship the God.  Therefore, the doctrine of Sola Scriptura, introduced during the Reformation, is viewed as a significant error. It isolates Scripture from the living context of the Church, leading to personal or private interpretations that deviate from the Apostolic faith, undermining the authority of the Church and rejecting Holy Tradition.

Holy Tradition coupled with Scripture encompasses the fulness of a Christian life, including the sacramental life, the communal worship, and the guidance provided by the saints and Church Fathers. This comprehensive approach is necessary to prepare the faithful for a deeper relationship with God in both this life and the life to come.

Below is a video of a class session on this topic from the Saint Geroge Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Greenville SC's adult Catechism class. 

Video:  https://youtu.be/avT_0XjV8dY