The sayings of the fathers, part 3

His Holiness Pope Shenouda explains that the oldest Fathers’ writings begin with the writings of the Apostolic Fathers which include the Canons of the Apostles and their practical teachings preserved in ancient manuscripts.

Canons of the Apostles and published collections:

• His Holiness mentioned two collections of the Canons of the Apostles published in Patrologia Orientalis in Paris: one volume containing 71 canons and another containing 56 canons, together forming 127 canons transmitted from apostolic tradition.
• He noted that some of these canons were shortened and attributed to later writings such as an abbreviation attributed to Hippolytus (referred to as Apolides in Arabic translations).

Ancient instructive documents:

• The Didascalia: extensive explanations regarding church order, baptism, the Eucharist, and pastoral regulations.
• The Didache: a simple spiritual teaching derived from the Gospel of Matthew, considered one of the earliest documents among the Fathers’ sayings.

Examples from the Apostolic Fathers:

• The letter of Clement of Rome to the Corinthians addressing schisms and ecclesial disputes.
• The letters of Ignatius of Antioch expressing love of martyrdom and pastoral care.
• Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, and his patience in martyrdom as an inspiring story.
• The “Shepherd” (Pastor) of Hermas: a spiritual work divided into visions and beautiful spiritual similitudes.

General guidance and the Pope’s advice:

• His Holiness recommended reading these sources with caution and historical understanding, distinguishing accepted texts from apocryphal ones.
• He emphasized that every word in the Fathers’ writings carries a deep theological and spiritual meaning and should be studied with deliberation and a prayerful spirit.

A call for preservation and dissemination: He urged preserving this heritage and transmitting it faithfully into church libraries and translating it for the benefit of clergy and laity, because these writings are part of the living heritage and sound teaching of the Church.

Conclusion (English): For better translation support, please contact the center.