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Click the links below to download the MS Word
Version of the Holy Canons and a commentary by Bishop Gregory Grabbe:
Bishop Gregory Grabbe Comments on the Canons of the Holy Apostles
Canons of the
Apostles
Canons of
the Holy Fathers
Canons
of the Local Councils
Canons of the Seven Ecumenical Councils
Throughout the 2,000 year history of what is now known as the
Orthodox Christian Faith, we have been guided by Holy
Tradition and Holy Scriptures. Within Holy Tradition, we have a set
of "canons" and "dogmas". Adherence to these canons and dogmas is
what defines any Orthodox Church as being "Canonical" and, indeed,
"Orthodox". In these difficult days, there are many wolves in sheep
clothing who outwardly appear as both Canonical and Orthodox.
When we say we are a "Canonical" church or jurisdiction, we mean
that we recognize and obey to the very best of our ability the
Canons of the Apostles, the Seven Ecumenical Councils, the Holy
Fathers, and what is known as the canons of "The Local Councils".
Every Orthodox church in the world, and throughout history, has been
held accountable to these canons. In fact, these canons were even
compiled into a book called, in English, "The Rudder". This great
book is no longer in print, but the canons are preserved on this
website and throughout the world of Orthodoxy. Every Orthodox Church
most likely either has a copy of this book in their own language or
knows how to get a printed copy.
The Greek Orthodox Church, while not being a fanatical Orthodox
Church, takes these canons very seriously. The canons do allow
plenty of room for mercy and flexibility when circumstances do not
allow us to do things "perfectly", but at the same time we are not
allowed to go directly against the canons to suit our needs. On the
left side of this screen, you will find a link to the four sections
of Canons and Dogmas of all Orthodox Churches.
As with all Holy Traditions, including Holy Scriptures, it is
best to seek the advice of your Spiritual Father or Bishop. We
should not use the Canons to beat people down, but instead help
build them up and keep them, and ourselves, on that strait and
narrow path. If you suspect that an Orthodox Church is not
Canonical, do not be quick to jump to conclusions. There are over
600 pages of Canons and Dogmas for the Orthodox Church to follow,
and it would take even the most intelligent person years to remember
what is written...let alone understand it all |
