Status Updates From The Truth of our Faith: Dis...

Virgin Mary - on Joseph not knowing the Virgin Mary until she had brought forth her first born Son. The phrase “until when” in Greek means eternally, as it is used with “And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world”. Also, on Noah, “he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from the earth”, and raven obviously didn’t return to ark.

Virgin Mary - the title “woman” is not meant to be offensive, as it is used by the angel saying “woman why weepest thou?”, which was not a rude question. Archangel Gabriel venerated Virgin Mary when he appeared to her.

We ask saints to intercede (make petition) for our salvation by praying to them to help us. We venerate the saints (proskenisis), not worship them (latria). Revelations says twenty elders fell before the lamb, with golden vials, which are the prayers of the saints. Old Testament says Job shall pray for you for him I accept.

Holy Tradition - Baptism, Communion, Marriage, etc… comes from Holy Tradition outside of Scripture. These were done since the establishment of the church at Pentecost, and the way these were to be done/performed has been carried on since then.

Paul to Timothy - on salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus, and that Scripture is given by inspiration of God. Does not mean anything additional is not necessary, as this was said before the New Testament was created. Meaning of Paul’s message is to tell Timothy that a good teacher should use Scripture to support his faith in Christ.

Human tradition is obviously different than holy tradition. Apostle Paul says to keep the traditions that ye have been taught, whether by word or epistle. Holy Scripture itself is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that grew out of the roots and tree of Holy Tradition.

Evangelist John says many things to write to you, I would not write in ink and paper, but I trust to come to you and speak face to face that our joy may be full. You cannot possibly write everything Jesus had to say, and it was preferred to teach by the living voice of tradition. Not all apostles wrote, which also shows the preference of teaching by the living voice of tradition.

Chapter 3 - Holy Tradition. Jesus never wrote, he preached and sent his apostles to preach, and the church was established as such, which eventually part of Jesus’ words was included in Holy Scripture (it would be impossible to include everything He taught). Holy Tradition is what God has established for his people throughout history, even to time of Moses. Yes things changed, but according to God’s will.

Chapter 2-on Holy Scripture. Typically reserved for Clergy to interpret throughout history, as they were spiritually more advanced (heavy fasting and prayer). All people should read scripture, just not everyone is called to teach. Also, scripture isn’t all that is needed for salvation, as it wasn’t given to man at the beginning. Church was established at Pentecost for the purpose of leading people to salvation.