At the Apostolic Orthodox Catholic Church (AOCC), we believe that God has revealed Himself through both Holy Tradition and Sacred Scripture. These two are not separate or competing sources of truth, but together they form one unified expression of God’s Word passed down to His people.
What Is Tradition? Tradition means more than customs or rituals. It refers to the living faith of the Church, handed down from the apostles through their teachings, practices, and example. This includes the interpretation of Scripture, the creeds, the writings of the Church Fathers, and the way the Church has worshipped throughout the centuries. Tradition is like a river that carries the truth of God’s revelation from one generation to the next.
Scripture as Part of Tradition We believe that the Bible is the written Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit and central to our faith. But Scripture did not come to us in isolation—it was written, preserved, and passed on within the life of the Church. The same Spirit who inspired the apostles to write the Scriptures also guides the Church in understanding and living out its message.
As St. Paul wrote, "Stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter" (2 Thessalonians 2:15). This shows that from the earliest days, the teachings of the apostles were transmitted both in writing and through oral instruction.
The Role of the Church Fathers The early Church Fathers played a key role in safeguarding and interpreting the teachings of Christ and His apostles. Their writings help us understand how the early Church read and lived the Scriptures. For example, St. Irenaeus defended the truth of the Gospel against false teachings by appealing to both the Scriptures and the consistent tradition of the Church.
Why Tradition Matters Today In today’s world, many people see faith as something personal and subjective. But Holy Tradition anchors our faith in something greater than ourselves—it connects us to the Church throughout time and keeps us grounded in the truth of Christ. Tradition helps us avoid misinterpretations and reminds us that our faith is not a product of modern opinion but a gift entrusted to us by God.
A Unified Faith At the AOCC, we don’t see Tradition and Scripture as two separate authorities, but as one harmonious voice speaking the truth of God. Together, they lead us deeper into the mystery of who God is and how we are called to live as His people.
By embracing both Scripture and Tradition, we honor the fullness of God’s revelation and remain faithful to the path set before us by the early Church. This commitment strengthens our worship, deepens our understanding, and keeps us connected to the unbroken witness of the faith passed down through the centuries.
What Is Tradition? Tradition means more than customs or rituals. It refers to the living faith of the Church, handed down from the apostles through their teachings, practices, and example. This includes the interpretation of Scripture, the creeds, the writings of the Church Fathers, and the way the Church has worshipped throughout the centuries. Tradition is like a river that carries the truth of God’s revelation from one generation to the next.
Scripture as Part of Tradition We believe that the Bible is the written Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit and central to our faith. But Scripture did not come to us in isolation—it was written, preserved, and passed on within the life of the Church. The same Spirit who inspired the apostles to write the Scriptures also guides the Church in understanding and living out its message.
As St. Paul wrote, "Stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter" (2 Thessalonians 2:15). This shows that from the earliest days, the teachings of the apostles were transmitted both in writing and through oral instruction.
The Role of the Church Fathers The early Church Fathers played a key role in safeguarding and interpreting the teachings of Christ and His apostles. Their writings help us understand how the early Church read and lived the Scriptures. For example, St. Irenaeus defended the truth of the Gospel against false teachings by appealing to both the Scriptures and the consistent tradition of the Church.
Why Tradition Matters Today In today’s world, many people see faith as something personal and subjective. But Holy Tradition anchors our faith in something greater than ourselves—it connects us to the Church throughout time and keeps us grounded in the truth of Christ. Tradition helps us avoid misinterpretations and reminds us that our faith is not a product of modern opinion but a gift entrusted to us by God.
A Unified Faith At the AOCC, we don’t see Tradition and Scripture as two separate authorities, but as one harmonious voice speaking the truth of God. Together, they lead us deeper into the mystery of who God is and how we are called to live as His people.
By embracing both Scripture and Tradition, we honor the fullness of God’s revelation and remain faithful to the path set before us by the early Church. This commitment strengthens our worship, deepens our understanding, and keeps us connected to the unbroken witness of the faith passed down through the centuries.
