Dec 27, 2011

“Of the beliefs and practices which are preserved in the Church, some we possess derived from written teaching; others we have received by the tradition of the apostles; and both of these in relation to true religion have the same force.”

Oct 18, 2011

Christians cannot be distinguished from the rest of the human race by country or language or customs. They do not live in cities of their own; they do not use a peculiar form of speech; they do not follow an eccentric manner of life...

Jun 13, 2011

“The old authorities decided to accept that baptism which in no way errs from the faith. Thus they used the names of heresies, of schisms, and of unlawful congregations...”

Jan 13, 2010

The Church, though dispersed through our the whole world, even to the ends of the earth, has received from the apostles and their disciples this faith...

Nov 26, 2008

This wall painting, depicting the Healing of the Paralytic, is the earliest known representation of Jesus, dating from about 235 AD. The painting was found in 1921 on the left-hand wall of the baptismal chamber of the house-church at Dura-Europos on the Euphrates River in modern Syria.

Sep 11, 2008

The Didachē is a short catechism, probably written in Syria during the second half of the 1st century. The Didachē is concerned with practical discipline and does not deliberately teach doctrine, but from the writer's assumptions we learn a great deal about the development of the early Church in his generation.

Sep 4, 2008

Other writers of history record the victories of war and trophies won from enemies, the skill of generals, and the manly bravery of soldiers, defiled with blood and with innumerable slaughters. But our narrative of the government of God will record the most peaceful wars waged in behalf of the peace of the soul,

Aug 27, 2008

When the Lord Jesus Christ, having gathered his disciples round him to supper on the night before he suffered death, solemnly broke bread before them and blessed a cup of wine and gave them to his disciples, he enjoined them to continue this thenceforward as a continual memorial of his death and passion undergone for the redemption of the world. This command was obeyed from the time that the Holy Spirit descended upon the Church shortly after our Lord's ascension into heaven. We are told, of those who were converted by the preaching of St. Peter on the day of Pentecost, that 'they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers'.

Aug 4, 2008

Vincent attempted, as did St John Cassian, to find a way that avoided the extremes both of Pelagius and of Augustine. His Commonitories [reminders] offer a guide to distinguish Orthodox teaching from innovation, the maxim now known as the Vincentian Canon: quod ubique, quod semper, quod ab omnibus creditum est (i.e. only "what has been believed everywhere, always, and by all" is the catholic Faith of Christianity). Vincent taught that the ultimate source of Christian truth was Holy Scripture and that the tradition of the Church was to be invoked to guarantee the correct interpretation of Scripture...

Jul 29, 2008

Dura Europos in Syria was founded by Alexander's lieutenant, Seleucus Nicator. The town was captured and destroyed by the Sassanids in 256 AD. The site did not attract significant attention until 1921, when mural paintings were discovered, notably synagogue frescoes dating from 235 AD...