Holy Tradition: Q&A

Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses the role of Holy Tradition as a source of authority in the Orthodox Church alongside the Bible. He explains how the Church’s teachings were passed down orally by the Apostles and early Church Fathers before the New Testament canon was established at the Council of Nicaea. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the distinction between capital "T" Tradition—divine teachings and practices passed from Christ to the Apostles—and lowercase "t" traditions, which are church customs that can vary and change. He highlights the Church’s authority to guide believers through councils, such as the Apostolic Council in Acts 15, and through the decisions of the episcopal Synod today. Fr. Matthias also addresses the differences between traditions in various Orthodox and Catholic practices, tracing apostolic succession, and the Church’s role in preserving faith without altering core dogma. This teaching clarifies why traditions remain essential alongside Scripture in understanding Orthodox Christianity