What Is Holy Tradition in the Orthodox Church?

In Orthodox Christianity, Holy Tradition is the living faith and life of the Church handed down from the Apostles and received from generation to generation. It is not simply a collection of old customs. It is the continuing life of the Church in the Holy Spirit.

Is Holy Tradition separate from the Bible?

No. The Holy Scriptures have a unique and central place within Holy Tradition. The Bible was received, read, preached, and interpreted in the life of the Church. Orthodox Christians therefore do not normally speak of Scripture and Tradition as two unrelated sources competing with one another.

What does Holy Tradition include?

Holy Tradition is expressed in many ways: the Scriptures, the Nicene Creed, the teaching of the Ecumenical Councils, the Divine Liturgy and other services, the writings and witness of the Church Fathers and saints, sacred icons, prayers, hymns, and the sacramental life of the Church.

Tradition is not the same as every local custom

Orthodox parishes may differ in language, music, vestments, foods, or customs surrounding feast days. These local traditions can be beautiful and important, but they should not be confused with Holy Tradition itself. Cultural customs may vary while the essential faith of the Church remains the same.

Why does Holy Tradition matter?

Christianity was lived before the books of the New Testament were gathered into a single volume. The Apostles preached, baptized, celebrated the Eucharist, taught the faithful, and established local churches. Holy Tradition describes this living continuity of apostolic faith rather than reducing Christianity to information preserved only in written form.

For Orthodox Christians, remaining faithful to Holy Tradition means seeking to receive and live the same apostolic faith in the Church today.