Reflection on Tradition by Bishop Kallistos Ware

In his book “The Orthodox Way”, Bishop Kallistos Ware explains that the idea that the Orthodox Church “never changes” is incorrect.

He states that “true Orthodoxy” can never rest satisfied with a barren ‘theology of repetition,’ which, parrot-like, repeats accepted formulae without striving to understand what lies behind them”. Orthodox Christians are indeed faithful and appreciative of traditions and practices that were given to us. For Orthodox Christians, the highest importance is placed on Christ and our theology. How the ancient Church celebrated Liturgy is exactly how we celebrate today. However, there are other additions and variances happening over the centuries in conformation with the faith and life of the Church.

For example, we sing Quqlions before our bishop or priest brings forth and shares the Holy Qurbana with those who are prepared and this was not how the early Church celebrated. But our understanding of who Jesus Christ was and our role in God’s creation and our salvation remains unchanged through the many centuries of the Church. The different traditions in the various Orthodox Churches across the world vary but we always have been and always will be the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

As Bishop Ware explains, “The Orthodox conception of Tradition is not static but dynamic, not a dead acceptance of the past but a living experience of the Holy Spirit in the present. Tradition, while inwardly changeless (for God does not change), is constantly assuming new forms, which supplement the old without superseding them.”

With this in mind, we understand that any variances or differences we see in the Liturgical calendars of Orthodox Churches should be viewed with this lens that it is the Holy Spirit at work within the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. There is and always was only One Church which is His Body (1 Corinthians 12:27; Colossians 1:24; Romans 12:4-5; etc.).