THE CHURCH FATHERS
07/16/2017
THE CHURCH FATHERS
Fr. Al Demos, July 16, 2017
The Fathers of the Church were the very prominent teachers, theologians and writers of our Church history and theology. They were primarily those brilliant and devout writers and theologians of the early centuries of the Church, and thereafter. The very earliest Church Fathers, who were of the first two generations after the Apostles of our Lord, are recognized as the Apostolic Church Fathers.
The Fathers were primarily the transcribers, exegetists and commentators of the Holy Bible, although none of them had written any of the Gospels or Epistles of the New Testament. They also participated in the Ecumenical and local Councils of the Church, judiciously clarifying the Teachings of Jesus Christ in the contemporary terminologies of their day, thus combating heresies that presented teachings that were contrary to the teachings of our Lord.
The Greek Fathers wrote in Greek, which was the first language of the Church, while the Latin Fathers, writing later, wrote in Latin. There were also monks who lived in the desert, in either a secluded or communal life, who are known as Desert Fathers.
No one Church Father can be said to be "infallible". A few Father’s writings may diverge somewhat from that of other Church Fathers to some degree, but nonetheless, it is the consensus of the Church Fathers (the combined unanimity, agreement, consent and accord) that clearly defines and expresses the Holy Orthodox Christian Faith.
So today, as we remember these brilliant men who have preserved, safeguarded and handed-down the authentic sacred teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, intact, genuinely factual, accurate and true; it is our duty to learn and live by these sacred teachings, both in the Written Tradition found in the Holy Bible and the Oral Tradition found in the writings of the Fathers.
Daily reading of the Holy Bible and the writings of the Church Fathers will help us to become more aware of the wondrous treasure of God’s Divine Revelation. There are three very interesting books written by the Rev. Christopher A. Hall, a Protestant Minister, which are great introductions to an actual Orthodox understanding of the Church Fathers:
1. Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers;
2. Learning Theology with the Church Fathers and
3. Worshipping with the Church Fathers.
They can be purchased on Amazon or ordered through your Reference Librarian at your local Library.
They provide very insightful and edifying information that should prove to be inspirational for you.