Sayings of the Fathers – Part 2
The lecture discusses the Church Fathers who wrote on theology and left a rich heritage defending the Orthodox faith against ancient heresies such as Arianism and Nestorianism. Pope Shenouda III explains that every generation of Fathers carried the banner of faith, standing firm against pressure, exile, and persecution to preserve the true doctrine handed down from the apostles.
The main theological Fathers and their roles
The Pope mentions prominent Fathers such as Gregory of Nazianzus, Athanasius the Apostolic, Basil the Great, Cyril the Great, Ambrose, Augustine, and Jerome. These Fathers bravely defended the faith, clarifying doctrines like the Holy Trinity, the Incarnation of the Word, and the unity of divinity and humanity in the one person of Christ.
The Fathers facing heresies
The lecture shows how the Fathers confronted heresies like Arianism, which denied Christ’s divinity, and Nestorianism, which separated divinity from humanity. The Pope highlights the power of St. Cyril the Great, who anathematized Nestorius and defended the title “Mother of God,” and St. Athanasius, who opposed Arius and his followers, proving that Orthodox faith triumphed by divine truth, not worldly power.
Warning against superficial reading
The Pope emphasizes that studying the Fathers’ writings requires linguistic and theological awareness, especially when reading Greek or Latin texts. Some words carry multiple meanings, so understanding them in their historical and linguistic context is essential, as shallow interpretation can lead to doctrinal error.
The value of preserving and transmitting the heritage
The Pope calls for the translation and publication of the Fathers’ works in all languages and for enriching church libraries with these treasures. He encourages believers to read the Fathers methodically, for every word holds deep theological and spiritual meaning that nourishes faith and reveals divine truth.
Spiritual message
From a spiritual perspective, the Pope teaches that faith is not mere intellect but a life lived in humility and steadfastness. As St. Paul said, “Now I know in part,” one should approach God’s mysteries with humility, not pride. True knowledge comes from the Holy Spirit, not from intellectual argument alone.
Conclusion
The Fathers are the teachers of generations who transmitted the faith pure and undefiled. Their teaching is a call to steadfastness and deep understanding of the incarnate God with an enlightened mind and humble heart. As they suffered for the truth, we too are called to bear their legacy faithfully and live according to their teaching.
For better translation support, please contact the center.
