Orthodox Christianity and the Bible

Orthodox Christianity holds the Bible in deep reverence as the inspired Word of God. It is central to the Church's faith, worship, and spiritual life. However, the Orthodox approach to the Bible is not based on private interpretation or individual study alone-it is rooted in the life of the Church, guided by centuries of tradition and the Holy Spirit.

The Bible as Part of Holy Tradition

For Orthodox Christians, the Bible is a vital part of what is called Holy Tradition. This means that the Scriptures are not viewed in isolation but within the wider context of the Church's lived faith. The same Holy Spirit who inspired the prophets and apostles to write the Scriptures also guided the Church to recognize which books belong in the Bible and how to understand them.

This view is different from some Christian traditions that emphasize sola scriptura-Scripture alone-as the ultimate authority. In Orthodoxy, the Bible and the Tradition of the Church are seen as a unified whole. The Bible is the heart of the Church's teaching, but it is read and interpreted through the lens of the early Church Fathers, ecumenical councils, and the living experience of the Church.

The Old and New Testaments

The Orthodox Bible includes the Old Testament (based on the ancient Greek translation called the Septuagint) and the New Testament, which was written in Greek in the first century AD.

The Old Testament tells the story of God's covenant with His people and prepares the way for Christ. The New Testament reveals the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the early history of the Church. Orthodox Christians believe that all of Scripture ultimately points to Christ.

How the Bible is Used in Orthodox Christianity

In Orthodox worship, the Bible is not just studied-it is proclaimed, sung, and lived. Every service is filled with readings from Scripture, especially the Psalms, the Gospels, and the Epistles. The Bible is read aloud in the Divine Liturgy and in daily prayers, and the Church calendar is shaped by the life of Christ and the events described in the New Testament.

Orthodox Christians are encouraged to read the Bible personally as well, but always with humility, prayer, and the guidance of the Church's teaching. The writings of the Church Fathers-such as St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil the Great, and St. Athanasius-are often used to explain and interpret difficult passages.

Interpretation with the Mind of the Church

The Orthodox Church does not rely on individual interpretation of Scripture. Instead, it follows what is called "the mind of the Church", which means reading the Bible with the understanding and faith passed down from the apostles through the centuries.

This approach protects against misinterpretation and keeps the focus on Christ. The goal of reading the Bible in Orthodoxy is not just to gain knowledge, but to grow in love, holiness, and union with God.

Conclusion

In Orthodox Christianity, the Bible is cherished as the living Word of God-written by human hands, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and entrusted to the Church. It is not only a book to be read, but a guide to be followed, a truth to be lived, and a treasure to be shared. By reading the Bible with the Church, Orthodox Christians seek to deepen their faith, strengthen their hope, and draw closer to Christ, the Word made flesh.