The Orthodox Church holds firmly to the sacred tradition of reading the Holy Scriptures during liturgical services. The texts used for Lectionary readings must reflect the authentic and ancient heritage of the Church, rooted in the Apostolic tradition. This policy outlines the authorised translations for use within English-speaking Orthodox parishes and specifies which versions are permitted and which are strictly forbidden.
Authorised Scriptures for Lectionary Readings:
- Scriptural Foundation:
- The Aramaic Peshitta and the Septuagint (LXX) were the standard Scriptures of the Apostolic Church of Jerusalem in the first century and continue to hold this primacy within various Orthodox jurisdictions of the Church of Jerusalem.
- English-speaking Orthodox parishes shall primarily rely on translations from the Greek Septuagint for the Old Testament and related texts, with consideration given to the Aramaic Peshitta for those who wish to study from the original language used by earliest Christians churches.
- Accepted Texts:
- The Old Testament and Old Testament Apocrypha: The Church accepts the Greek Septuagint as the authoritative Old Testament, which includes the Deuterocanonical books, commonly called the “Apocrypha.”
- The New Testament: English translations shall be drawn from the Greek New Testament manuscripts, with an openness to the Aramaic Peshitta, as it represents a valuable early Christian tradition.
- The Didache and certain writings of Josephus are also regarded as canonical for readings within Orthodox services, where permitted by local liturgical guidelines.
- Recommended English Translations:
- Brenton’s English Septuagint (LXX): This remains the standard and most faithful English translation of the Septuagint and is highly recommended for both private and public readings.
- The Orthodox Study Bible: Known for its commitment to Orthodox theology and scriptural tradition, this version uses the Septuagint for the Old Testament and is also authorised.
- Peshitta New Testament Translations:
- The translations by Dr. James Murdock and Dr. John W. Etheridge are authorised for use in the Orthodox Church, as they provide faithful renditions of the Aramaic Peshitta for English speakers.
Forbidden Translations:
Certain translations are considered theologically unsound and are strictly prohibited for use in the Church of Jerusalem due to doctrinal deviations or distortions of the text. These forbidden translations include, but are not limited to:
- The Message Translation (Protestant)
- New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses)
- Kingdom Interlinear Translation(Jehovah’s Witnesses)
- Emphatic Diaglott (Benjamin Wilson)
- New European Version (Christadelphian)
These versions are deemed unacceptable for use due to their deviations from the ancient texts, theological inaccuracies, and failure to align with Orthodox doctrine and tradition.
Encouragement for Faithful Study:
While the Lectionary readings during services must follow the authorised versions outlined above, the faithful are encouraged to deepen their understanding of the Scriptures through personal study. For those in English-speaking jurisdictions, the following are recommended:
- Brenton’s English Septuagint (LXX)
- The Orthodox Study Bible
- Murdock’s and Etheridge’s Peshitta New Testament translations
The Church advises all faithful to avoid using the forbidden translations even in private study, as they may lead to misunderstanding or doctrinal confusion.
Conclusion:
The Orthodox Church is committed to preserving the authenticity of the Holy Scriptures as handed down by the Apostles and early Church Fathers. The use of authorised translations from the Greek Septuagint and Aramaic Peshitta ensures continuity with this sacred tradition. This policy shall be strictly adhered to in all English-speaking Orthodox parishes for the integrity of the faith.
April 9, 2022; September 18, 2024
