The Roots of Tradition
Who offered a more excellent sacrifice than his brother in the old testament?
Abel
Which Christian group believes in Sola Scriptura (only Scripture)?
Protestants
What does “Patrology” mean?
The study of the Church Fathers, their writings, and acts
The eunuch said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” What does this teach us about reading Scripture?
It teaches that the Bible must be understood through the Church and the guidance of spiritual fathers and Tradition.
According to St. John Chrysostom, what caused Cain’s offering to be rejected?
Cain’s sacrifice was rejected because his heart was corrupt and insincere, whereas Abel’s offering was accepted because it was presented with faith, humility, and genuine devotion.
What does the Orthodox faith teach about the Bible Tradition?
Bible is part of Holy Tradition, both being the inspired revelation of God handed down through the Church from the Apostles.
According to St. Basil, what would happen if we rejected non-scriptural customs as insignificant?
We would lose vital parts of the Gospel
What part of Basilian Liturgy refers to Tradition being handed down.
“As it was, so shall it be. From generation to generation and unto the age of all ages.”
What does the word “Paradosis” mean in relation to Tradition?
“To hand down” or “by hand”
Who preserved the faith of the universal Church from the beginning, according to the Coptic Orthodox understanding?
The faith of the Church was given by the Lord, preached by the Apostles, and preserved by the Church Fathers as part of Holy Tradition
What major council was led by St. Athanasius and wrote the Creed?
Council of Nicaea (325 AD)
Why did Philip baptize the eunuch immediately when they saw water?
Because baptism is essential. It is not symbolic, it is the beginning of life in Christ. The early Church treated baptism with urgency, not delay.
Who said, “Let us look at the very tradition, teaching, and faith of the universal Church from the beginning”?
St. Athanasius
Which verse says “Stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle”?
2 Thessalonians 2:15
Who was St. Polycarp’s teacher, connecting him to the Apostles?
St. John the Apostle
If the Bible is complete and inspired, why is Holy Tradition still necessary in the Church, and how do we know that Tradition is not just “human teaching”?
The Bible itself came from Tradition because the Church existed before the New Testament was written. The Apostles preached, taught, baptized, and celebrated the Eucharist before any Scriptures were compiled. Tradition is not human invention; it is the living life of the Holy Spirit in the Church, passed from Christ → the Apostles → the Fathers.
According to Jude 1:3, what must we “contend earnestly” for?
The faith once delivered to the saints
Name three examples of Holy Tradition other than the Bible.
Creed and Councils, Liturgical prayers, Writings of the Fathers, Iconography, Rites, Hymns, Life of the Saints, Architecture.
Name two qualifications of a true Church Father.
Our Lord’s teachings, Other Apostolic Tradition, Liturgical Prayers
Why should I believe the Church Fathers rather than the Bible itself when they lived after the Apostles?
The Fathers were part of the apostolic succession, receiving teaching directly from the Apostles or their disciples. They witnessed the early Church’s life and struggles and helped preserve the true interpretation of Scripture