Scripture and Tradition
- Orthodox Christianity does not separate Scripture from Tradition — the Bible is part of Holy Tradition.
- The canon of Scripture was itself determined by the Church through its Tradition.
- Sola Scriptura ('Scripture alone') is not an Orthodox principle; the Church interprets Scripture within the Tradition.
- The Holy Spirit guides both Scripture and Tradition, ensuring their unity and coherence.
What Constitutes Holy Tradition?
- The Holy Scriptures — Old and New Testaments.
- The decisions of the Seven Ecumenical Councils.
- The writings of the Church Fathers.
- The liturgical texts and practices of the Church.
- The canons of the Church.
- The holy icons.
Tradition as Living Reality
- Tradition is not a museum of the past but the living presence of the Holy Spirit in the Church.
- The Church can develop her expression of Tradition without contradicting the deposit of faith.
- Authentic Tradition bears the marks of continuity, universality, and apostolicity.