The Importance of Patristic Studies for the Study of Theology

Abstract

Orthodox theology is not a specific form of speculation based on reason as it does not strive for creativity. It expresses revealed truth by making use of formulations and words corresponding to a given era. The main objective of Orthodox theology can be summed up in three points: catechetic, apologetic and doxological. A theologian does not express his own opinion, but the teaching of the Church. This teaching is in line with the Tradition of the Church, which in turn, in Orthodox terms, must not deviate from the overall teachings of the Fathers of the Church. It is therefore very important to study the Fathers of the Church. One cannot understand theology without knowing the Fathers. Exegesis of Scripture always occurs in the spirit of the Holy Fathers, which guarantees that its authenticity and correctness. The Fathers always relied on their predecessors as the greatest authorities, thereby diminishing role of their own thought. From the Orthodox point of view, one cannot speak of a timeframe of the Patristic era. A careful reading of the works of the Fathers with spiritual eyes and an open heart enables one to uncover their true meaning and how they can be understood today.