Back to Bible Basics for Orthodox Christians Session 5

Session 5 – The Bible as the Source of Tradition

Therefore brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of our epistles.

2 Thessalonians 2.15

Patristic Reference: Didache – The Teachings of the Holy Apostles to the Nations 70-100 AD

Prayer before reading of the Holy Scriptures: Shine within our hearts, loving Master, the pure light of Your divine knowledge, and open the eyes of our minds that we may comprehend the message of Your Gospel. Instill in us also reverence for Your blessed commandments so that, having conquered sinful desires, we may pursue a spiritual life, thinking and doing all those things which are pleasing to You. For You, Christ our God, are the light of our souls and bodies, and to You we give glory, together with Your Father who is without beginning and Your all holy, good and life giving Spirit, always now and forever and to the ages of ages.

  1. The Sacraments
    1. Baptism
      1. Matthew 28.18-20 OSB 1327
      2. Acts 2.37-41 OSB 1473
      3. Acts 16.14-15 OSB 1498
    2. Chrismation
      1. Joel 3.1-2 OSB 1014
      2. Acts 2.16-21 OSB 1472
      3. Acts 8.14-17 OSB 1482
    3. Holy Communion
      1. Luke 22.17-19 OSB 1409
      2. John 6.53-58 OSB 1436
    4. Holy Confession
      1. Matthew 18.15-17 OSB 1303-1304
      2. John 20.21-23 OSB 1465
      3. 1 John 1.8-10 OSB 1697
    5. Holy Ordination
      1. Acts 1.23-26 OSB 1470
      2. Acts 6.1-7 OSB 1478-1479
    6. Holy Unction
      1. James 5.13-18 OSB 1680-1681
    7. Holy Marriage
      1. John 2.1-11 OSB1424-1425
      2. Ephesians 5.22-33 OSB 1608
  1. Worship
    1. Sunday Worship – Acts 20.7 OSB 1505
    2. Daily Prayers – Acts 3.1 OSB 1474
    3. Scripted Prayers VS Spontaneous Prayers – 1 Corinthians 14.26, 40 OSB 1568-1569
    4. Worship atmosphere
      1. Isaiah 6.1-4 OSB 1063
      2. Revelation 1.9-13 OSB 1713
  2. Church Construction
    1. First Christians continued to meet in the Temple – Acts 2.46 OSB 1473
    2. Temple adorned in gold, best linens, precious stones, best wood – 3rd Kingdoms 6-7