Holy Tradition in the Orthodox Church
One of the most important parts of Orthodox theology is adherence to what is known as ‘Holy Tradition’, expressed through changelessness - even timelessness - and a sense of living continuity with the ancient Church.
Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. - Second Epistle of St Paul to the Thessalonians, 2:15.
Tradition, in the Orthodox Church, refers to the Holy Bible, the Creed of Nicaea and Constantinople, the decrees of the Ecumenical Councils, the writings of Church Fathers, the Canons, service books, icons… each addition found in comformity with what came before, and primarily, in conformity with the centre of our Tradition, Holy Scripture. There is no conflict between Scripture and Tradition - God, the source of revelation, gave us the former and guides us with the latter.
There are, of course, levels of deference given to different aspects of Tradition - there is no question that if there is seen to be a difference between what is in Scripture and what is in any other source of Tradition, the former takes precedence. Generally, however, these conflicts are more perceived than actual, and are caused by previously-unrealised prejudices.
It is easy to confuse the two at times, but there is a common distinction between Holy Tradition and local traditions. The latter is often beneficial to people, and has, at some points of persecution in the Church, been able to keep faith where nothing else could. Nevertheless, one can easily find differences in traditions between different Orthodox, but a surprising unity in keeping with the Holy Tradition that has been kept since the Apostles.
And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever — the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. - Gospel of St John, 14:16-17.
This keeping with Holy Tradition is often perceived as preserving the faith like a museum. On the contrary - it is a position based on our belief that the Holy Spirit is still working in our Church today. If we did not believe this, we would necessarily be forced to believe that God had not considered the Church that was founded by Christ, had not guided the Church through history. However, as we believe that the Holy Spirit is with us, blowing where it wishes (John 3:8), and guiding us to all truth (John 16:13).
It is the ability for Tradition to remain the same while tradition varies that allows for a dynamism in the Orthodox Church that is unparalleled. This allows for people to live a life of Christ within the location that God has given for us.
But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning. - Gospel of St John, 15:26-27
Holy Tradition is an encounter with a living God, and it is this experience that allows the Orthodox Church to accept the Holy Spirit’s activity in the Church.