The Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus of Rome or The Egyptian Church Order

The Apostolic Tradition is traditionally attributed to Hippolytus of Rome and thought to be composed around 215 in Rome. Modern scholars dispute this (and most everything else) many say that it is a composite work that is much later than Hippolytus, perhaps as late as 400. For my part I am content with he traditional dating as even the skeptics seem to think that parts could date back to Hippolytus time. Traditionally it is said to preserve practices that are actually older than the second century. In reading it, much will sound familiar to anyone familiar with modern Christian liturgy and practice. Examples being the use of the Sursum Corda (lift up yout hearts) throughout the liturgical passages, and the presence of what is commonly called the Anaphora of the Apostolic Tradition in chapter 4.

Offices in the Church differ from out traditions today
Office	Comment
Bishops	Chapter 4 contains the earliest known rite of ordination for a Bishop
Elder	This is an ordained office. An elder is made with the agreement of the Bishop and the other Elders.
Deacons	Here a deacon is not ordained to the priesthood as in may churches today.
confessors	The penalties associated with confessing Christ publicly serve as ordination
widows	These are not ordained or strictly cared for by the church but do have a function that is important to the community.
reader	Performs a function in the Church service but is not ordained. Is given the office whe given the book.
virgins	These are likely unmarried women, whether they remain so or not is unclear, but the office would require that they remain unmarried.
sub-deacons	Not an ordained office but a select layman.

Hippolytus himself was so concerned about the loss of what he considered important traditions that he formed a competing church and went on to become the first antipope as listed by the Roman Catholic Church today. This is likely why a Roman Catholic priest I read said that he was prone to put a black X through anything associated with Hippolytus.

When Callistus I became bsihop of Rome in 217, Hippolytus fromed his own congregation in Rome. In the time of Pope Pontianus (r. 230-235), both he and Pontianus were exiled by Roman Authorities to Sardinia, from all accounts an extraordinarily unhealthy place, where they were forced to work the mines. Shortly afterward, in 235, both died there. Sometime before his death, Hippolytus was reconciled to the Roman Bishop. The two were martyrs, and their bodies were both brought back to Rome, where they were honorably buried.

The Apostolic Tradition is an early example of what is called Church Orders. Churches today have various manuals, disciplines and prayer books, these are a systematically organized set of rules drawn up by a qualified body of a local church. This work was never actually sanctioned by such a body but much of what is contained in it has gone into what we now call canon law. 

The Apostolic Tradition itself did not actually survive time well. It is partly preserved in a Latin palmpsest, a palmpsest being manuscripts that were reused but the original text is still recoverable beneath the newer writing. Several Coptic, Arabic and Ethiopic versions. The Greek original is lost, except for fragments that are heavily edited and contained in The Apostolic Constitutions (c. 375 - 380).

The version here was pinched from St John's Episcopal Church in Arlington Virginia who in turn pinched it from bombaxo.com (links at the bottom). The translation is based on the work of Bernard Botte (La Tradition Apostolique. Sources Chretiennes, 11 bis. Paris, Editions du Cerf, 1984) and of Gregory Dix (The Treatise on the Apostolic Tradition of St. Hippolytus of Rome, Bishop and Martyr. London: Alban Press, 1992).

The note from the site where I got this says that "this version was prepared by a non-expert for non-experts." I should also note that it has been formatted and edited by a non-expert. My comments are in the boxes at the right along with some pull quotes for easier reference. I have also applied the chapter titles from the following outline that is based heavily on the Wikipedia article. The chapter numbers and order are those of Botte.

The Apostolic Tradition, as with the other Church Orders, has the aim to offer authoritative "apostolic" prescriptions on matters of moral conduct, liturgy and Church organization. It can be divided in a prologue (chapter 1) and three main sections. The second section, chapters 2 to 14, deals with the rituals of the organization of the Church, and it follows a roughly hierarchical order starting from the bishops up to the lower levels of the structure. Section three in the outline deals with the catechumen, the person who is being prepared for baptism. At the end of that section is a detailed order of baptism. The forth section consists of various rules without a clear order. The final epilogue indicates that this is not an exhaustive treatment and that there is some freedom for local interpolations.

The content can be Outlined:

Outline

1. Prologue (1)
2. Rituals and Organization (2-14)
   1. On bishops (2-4)
      1. Qualifications (2)
      2. Prayer for the ordination of a bishop (3)
      3. the Eucharist at the consecration of the bishop. (4)
   2. On the offering of oil' (5)
   3. On the offering of cheese and olives (6);
   4. On presbyters (Elders) (7)
   5. On deacons (8)
   6. On confessors (9)
   7. On widows (10)
   8. On the reader (11)
   9. On virgins (12)
   10. On sub-deacons (13)
   11. On a Spiritual gift (14)
3. Catechumenate and baptism (15 - 21)
   1. On newcomers (15)
      1. the first step in the catechumenate (15.1-2)
      2. the questions about marriage status and whether they are slave or free; (15.3-8)

   2. Some occupations that are not considered compatible with the Christian life are: manager of prostitutes sculptor or painter of idols actors in the theater teacher of "worldly knowledge" to children charioteer or gladiator in the gladiator competitions Restrictions on military service

      On trades and professions (16)
   3. Catechumens (17-21)
      1. Time of Instruction (17)
      2. On the prayer of the catechumens (18)
      3. On laying hands on the catechumens (19)
      4. Of those who will receive baptism (20)
      5. On the bestowal of holy baptism (21)
         1. Preparation (21.1-5)
         2. The baptismal liturgy. (21.6-44)
4. Various rules about the community, listed without a clear order: (22-42)
   1. The distribution of the Communion (22)
   2. On fasting (23)
   3. On gifts to the sick (24)
   4. On the bringing in of lights at the supper of the congregation (25)
   5. On the occasion of eating (26-30)
      1. description of a liturgical dinner (26)
      2. catechumens should not eat with the faithful (27)
      3. That one should eat with understanding and moderation (28)
      4. That one should eat with thanksgiving (29)
      5. On supper for widows (30)
   6. offering to the bishop of the first-fruits (31)
   7. Which fruits are right to offer (32)
   8. That nobody should touch any food at the Pascha before the proper time (33)
   9. That it is proper for deacons to attend on the bishop (34)
   10. On the time when it is proper to pray (35)
   11. That it is proper to fast before partake of the Eucharist. (36)
   12. That it is proper to guard the Eucharist carefully (37)
   13. Take proper care of the cup (38)
   14. Daily meetings of presbyters and deacons (39)
   15. On the cemeteries (40)
   16. On the time when it is proper to pray (41)
   17. About the Seal or the Sign of the Cross (42)
5. Conclusion (43)

---

The Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus

1 Prologue

¹We have set forth as was necessary that part of the discourse which relates to the spiritual gifts, all that God, right from the beginning, granted to people according to his will, bringing back to himself this image which had gone astray. ²Now, driven by love towards all the saints, we have arrived at the essence of the tradition which is proper for the Churches. ³This is so that those who are well informed may keep the tradition which has lasted until now, according to the explanation we give of it, and so that others by taking note of it may be strengthened ⁴(against the fall or error which has recently occurred because of ignorance and ignorant people), ⁵with the Holy Spirit conferring perfect grace on those who have a correct faith, and so that they will know that those who are at the head of the Church must teach and guard all these things.

2 Qualifications of a Bishop

¹He who is ordained as a bishop, being chosen by all the people, must be irreproachable. ²When his name is announced and approved, the people will gather on the Lord's day with the council of elders and the bishops who are present. ³With the assent of all, the bishops will place their hands upon him, with the council of elders standing by, quietly. ⁴Everyone will keep silent, praying in their hearts for the descent of the Spirit. ⁵After this, one of the bishops present, at the request of all, shall lay his hand upon him who is being ordained bishop, and pray, saying,

3 Prayer for the making of a bishop

¹God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Father of mercies and God of all consolation,
you who live in the highest, but regard the lowest,
you who know all things before they are,
²you who gave the rules of the Church through the word of your grace,
who predestined from the beginning the race of the righteous through Abraham,
who instituted princes and priests,
and did not leave your sanctuary without a minister;
who from the beginning of the world has been pleased
to be glorified by those whom you have chosen,
³pour out upon him the power which is from you, the princely Spirit,
which you gave to your beloved Son Jesus Christ,
which he gave to your holy apostles,
who founded the Church in every place as your sanctuary,
for the glory and endless praise of your name.
⁴Grant, Father who knows the heart,
to your servant whom you chose for the episcopate, that he will feed your holy flock,
that he will wear your high priesthood without reproach,
serving night and day, incessantly making your face favorable,
and offering the gifts of your holy church;
⁵in the spirit of high priesthood having the power to forgive sins according to your command;
to assign lots according to your command;
to loose any bond according to the authority which you gave to the apostles;
to please you in mildness and a pure heart, offering to you a sweet scent,
⁶through your son Jesus Christ,
through whom to you be glory, power, and honor,
Father and Son,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the Holy Church,
now and throughout the ages of the ages.
Amen.

4 The Eucharist at the consecration of the bishop.

¹When he has been made bishop, everyone shall give him the kiss of peace, and salute him respectfully, for he has been made worthy of this. ²Then the deacons shall present the oblation
to him, and he shall lay his hand upon it, and give thanks, with the entire council of elders, saying:

³The Lord be with you.
And all reply: And with your spirit.
The bishop says: Lift up your hearts.
The people respond: We have them with the Lord.
The bishop says: Let us give thanks to the Lord.
The people respond: It is proper and just.
The bishop then continues:

⁴We give thanks to you God,
through your beloved son Jesus Christ,
whom you sent to us in former times
as Savior, Redeemer, and Messenger of your Will,
⁵who is your inseparable Word,
through whom you made all,
and in whom you were well-pleased,
⁶whom you sent from heaven into the womb of a virgin,
who, being conceived within her, was made flesh,
and appeared as your Son,
born of the Holy Spirit and the virgin.
⁷It is he who, fulfilling your will
and acquiring for you a holy people,
extended his hands in suffering,
in order to liberate from sufferings
those who believe in you.

This section is thought by many to be the Old Roman Creed or at least the first occurrence of something quite similar. Note the descent into hell here.

⁸Who, when he was delivered to voluntary suffering,
in order to dissolve death,
and break the chains of the devil,
and tread down hell,
and bring the just to the light,
and set the limit,
and manifest the resurrection,
⁹taking the bread, and giving thanks to you, said,
"Take, eat, for this is my body which is broken for you."
Likewise the chalice, saying,
This is my blood which is shed for you.
¹⁰Whenever you do this, do this (in) memory of me.
¹¹Therefore, remembering his death and resurrection,
we offer to you the bread and the chalice,
giving thanks to you, who has made us worthy
to stand before you and to serve as your priests.
¹²And we pray that you would send your Holy Spirit
to the oblation of your Holy Church.
In their gathering together,
give to all those who partake of your holy mysteries the fullness of the Holy Spirit,
toward the strengthening of the faith in truth,
¹³that we may praise you and glorify you,
through your son Jesus Christ,
through whom to you be glory and honor,
Father and Son,
with the Holy Spirit,
in your Holy Church,
now and throughout the ages of the ages.
Amen.

5 Offering of Oil

¹If someone makes an offering of oil, the bishop shall give thanks in the same manner as for the oblation of the bread and wine. He does not give thanks with the same words, but quite similar, saying,

²"Sanctify this oil, God, as you give holiness to all who are anointed and receive
it, as you anointed kings, priests, and prophets, so that it may give strength to all who taste it,
and health to all who use it."

6 On the offering of cheese and olives

¹Likewise, if someone makes an offering of cheese and olives, the bishop shall say,

²"Sanctify this brought-together milk, just as you also bring us together in your love. ³Let this fruit not leave your sweetness, this olive which is a symbol of your abundance, which you made
to flow from the tree, for life to those who hope in you."

⁴In every blessing should be said:
To you be glory,
Father and Son
with the Holy Spirit,
in your Holy Church,
now and forever,
and throughout all the ages of the ages.
Amen.

7 On presbyters (Elders)

¹When an elder is ordained, the bishop places his hand upon his head, along with the other elders, and says according to that which was said above for the bishop, praying and saying:

²God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
look upon your servant here,
and impart the spirit of grace and the wisdom of elders (Lit., advice of elders).
that he may help and guide your people with a pure heart,
³just as you looked upon your chosen people,
and commanded Moses to choose elders,
whom you filled with your spirit
which you gave to your attendant.
⁴Now, Lord, unceasingly preserving in us the spirit of your grace,
make us worthy, so that being filled
we may minister to you in singleness (or simplicity) of heart,
praising you,
⁵through your son Christ Jesus,
through whom to you be glory and might,
Father and Son
with the Holy Spirit,
in your Holy Church,
now and throughout the ages of the ages.
Amen.

8 On deacons

¹When one ordains a deacon, he is chosen according to what has been said above, with only the bishop laying on his hand in the same manner. In the ordination of a deacon, only the bishop lays on his hand, ²because the deacon is not ordained to the priesthood, but to the service of the bishop, to do that which he commands. ³For he is not part of the council of the clergy, but acts as a manager, and reports to the bishop what is necessary. ⁴He does not receive the spirit common to the elders, which the elders share, but that which is entrusted to him under the bishop's authority. 5This is why only the bishop makes a deacon. ⁶Upon the elders, the other elders place their hands because of a common spirit and similar duty. ⁷Indeed, the elder has only the authority to receive this, but he has no authority to give it. ⁸Therefore he does not ordain to the clergy. Upon the ordination of the elder he seals; the bishop ordains.

⁹The bishop says this over the deacon:

¹⁰O God, you who have created all
and put it in order by your Word,
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
whom you sent to serve by your will,
and to manifest to us your desire,
¹¹give the Holy Spirit of grace and earnestness and diligence to this your servant,
whom you have chosen to serve your church
and to offer up in holiness in your sanctuary
that which is offered from the inheritance of your high priests,
so that serving without reproach and in purity, he may obtain a higher degree,
and that he may praise you and glorify you,
¹²through your son Jesus Christ our Lord,
through whom to you be glory, and power, and praise,
with the Holy Spirit,
now and always, and throughout the ages of the ages.
Amen.

A confessor is a person who avows religious faith in the face of opposition, but does not suffer martyrdom.

9 On Confessors

If a confessor has been placed in chains for the Name of the Lord, hands are not laid upon him for the office of deacon or elder. He has the honor of the office of an elder through his confession. If he is instituted as a bishop, then hands will be laid upon him. ²If there is a confessor who was neither led before an authority, nor punished with bonds, nor placed in prison, nor condemned to any other penalty, but was only incidentally derided because of the Name of our Lord, and punished with domestic confinement even though he confessed, for whatever office he is worthy of hands shall be placed on him. ³The bishop shall give thanks according to all that was said above. ⁴It is not at all necessary that he prays with the very same words given above, as though by an effort of memory giving thanks to God. Each shall pray whatever is according to his ability. ⁵If someone has the ability to pray a lengthy and solemn prayer, that is well. If someone else, in praying, offers a short prayer, this is not to be prevented. That prayer must only be correct in orthodoxy.

10 On Widows

¹When a widow is appointed, she is not ordained, but is chosen by name. ²If her husband has been dead a long time, she is appointed. ³If it has not been a long time since her husband died, she may not be trusted. If, however, she is old, let her be tested for a time. For often the passions grow old with those who give them a place in themselves. ⁴The widow is appointed by word alone, and then may join the rest of the widows. Do not lay hands upon her, for she does not offer the oblation, nor does she have a liturgical duty. ⁵Ordination is for the clergy because of liturgical duty. The widow is appointed because of prayer, which is a duty for all.

11 Reader

The reader is appointed when the bishop gives the book to him. He does not have hands laid upon him.

12 Virgin

Hands are not laid on a virgin, for [her] decision alone makes her a virgin.

13 Sub-deacon

Hands are not laid on the sub-deacon. He is chosen by name to assist the deacon.

14 Spiritual gift

If someone among the laity is seen to have received a gift of healing by revelation, hands are not laid upon such a one, for the matter is obvious.

15 On Newcommers

¹Those who are newly brought forward to hear the Word shall first be brought before the teachers at the house, before all the people enter. ²Then they will be questioned concerning the reason that they have come forward to the faith. Those who bring them will bear witness concerning them as to whether they are able to hear.

³They shall be questioned concerning their life and occupation, marriage status, and whether they are slave or free. ⁴If they are the slaves of any of the faithful, and if their masters permit them, they may hear the Word. If their masters do not bear witness that they are good, let them be rejected. ⁵If their masters are pagans, teach them to please their masters, so that there will be no blasphemy. ⁶If a man has a wife, or a woman has a husband, let them be taught to be content, the husband with his wife, and the wife with her husband. ⁷If there is a man who does not live with a woman, let him be taught not to fornicate, but to either take a wife according to the law, or to remain as is. ⁸If there is someone who has a demon, such a one shall not hear the Word of the teacher until purified.

16 On trades and professions

¹They will inquire concerning the works and occupations of those are who are brought forward for instruction. ²If someone is a pimp who supports prostitutes, he shall cease or shall be rejected. ³If someone is a sculptor or a painter, let them be taught not to make idols. Either let them cease or let them be rejected. ⁴If someone is an actor or does shows in the theater, either he shall cease or he shall be rejected. ⁵If someone teaches children (worldly knowledge), it is good that he cease. But if he has no (other) trade, let him be permitted. ⁶A charioteer, likewise, or one who takes part in the games, or one who goes to the games, he shall cease or he shall be rejected. ⁷If someone is a gladiator, or one who teaches those among the gladiators how to fight, or a hunter who is in the wild beast shows in the arena, or a public official who is concerned with gladiator shows, either he shall cease, or he shall be rejected. ⁸If someone is a priest of idols, or an attendant of idols, he shall cease or he shall be rejected. ⁹A military man in authority must not execute men. If he is ordered, he must not carry it out. Nor must he take military oath. If he refuses, he shall be rejected. ¹⁰If someone is a military governor (Lit. has the authority of swords), or the ruler of a city who wears the purple, he shall cease or he shall be rejected. ¹¹The catechumen or faithful who wants to become a soldier is to be rejected, for he has despised God. ¹²The prostitute, the wanton man, the one who castrates himself, or one who does that which may not be mentioned, are to be rejected, for they are impure. ¹³A magus shall not even be brought forward for consideration. ¹⁴An enchanter, or astrologer, or diviner, or interpreter of dreams, [Other ancient authorities add or one who clips the fringes of garments,] or a charlatan (Lit., one who stirs up the people), or one who makes amulets, either they shall cease or they shall be rejected. ¹⁵If someone's concubine is a slave, as long as she has raised her children and has clung only to him, let her hear. Otherwise, she shall be rejected. ¹⁶The man who has a concubine must cease and take a wife according to the law. If he will not, he shall be rejected.

17 Length of Instruction

¹Catechumens will hear the word for three years. ²Yet if someone is earnest [or eager] and perseveres well in the matter, it is not the time that is judged, but the conduct.

18 Prayer of the catechumens

¹When the teacher finishes his instruction, the catechumens will pray by themselves, separate from the faithful. ²The women will also pray in another place in the church, by themselves, whether faithful women or catechumen women. ³After the catechumens have finished praying, they do not give the kiss of peace, for their kiss is not yet pure. ⁴But the faithful shall greet one another with a kiss, men with men, and women with women. Men must not greet women with a kiss.

⁵All the women should cover their heads with a pallium [cloke], and not simply with a piece of linen, which is not a proper veil.

19 Laying on of Hands

¹After the prayer, the teacher shall lay hands upon the catechumens, pray, and dismiss them. Whether such is one of the laypeople or of the clergy, let him do so. ²If any catechumens are apprehended because of the Name of the Lord, let them not be double-hearted because of martyrdom. If they may suffer violence and be executed with their sins not removed, they will be justified, for they have received baptism in their own blood.

20 Of those who will receive baptism

¹When they are chosen who are to receive baptism, let their lives be examined, whether they have lived honorably while catechumens, whether they honored the widows, whether they visited the sick, and whether they have done every good work.. ²If those who bring them forward bear witness for them that they have done so, then let them hear the Gospel. ³From the time at which they are set apart, place hands upon them daily so that they are exorcised. When the day approaches on which they are to be baptized, let the bishop exorcise each one of them, so that he will be certain whether each has been purified. ⁴If there are any who are not purified, they shall be set apart. They have not heard the Word in faith, for the foreign spirit remained with each of them. ⁵Let those who are to be baptized be instructed that they bathe and wash on the fifth day of the week. ⁶If a woman is in the manner of women, let her be set apart [lit., isolated] and receive baptism another day.

⁷Those who are to receive baptism shall fast on the Preparation of the Sabbath [Friday]. On the Sabbath [Saturday], those who are to receive baptism shall all gather together in one place chosen according to the will of the bishop. They shall be commanded to pray and kneel [lit. bend the kneed. ⁸Then, laying his hand on them, he will exorcise every foreign spirit, so that they flee from them and never return to them. When he has finished exorcising them, he shall breathe on their faces and seal [sign of the cross] their foreheads, ears and noses. Then he shall raise them up. ⁹They shall all keep vigil all night, reading and instructing them. ¹⁰Those who are to be baptized are not to bring any vessel, only that which each brings for the eucharist. It is indeed proper that each bring the oblation in the same hour.

21 Baptism

¹At the hour in which the cock crows, they shall first pray over the water. ²When they come to the water, the water shall be pure and flowing, that is, the water of a spring or a flowing body of water. ³Then they shall take off all their clothes. ⁴The children shall be baptized first. All of the children who can answer for themselves, let them answer. If there are any children who cannot answer for themselves, let their parents answer for them, or someone else from their family. ⁵After this, the men will be baptized. Finally, the women, after they have unbound their hair, and removed their jewelry. No one shall take any foreign object with themselves down into the water.

⁶At the time determined for baptism, the bishop shall give thanks over some oil, which he puts in a vessel. It is called the Oil of Thanksgiving. ⁷He shall take some more oil and exorcise it. It is called the Oil of Exorcism. ⁸A deacon shall hold the Oil of Exorcism and stand on the left. Another deacon shall hold the Oil of Thanksgiving and stand on the right. ⁹When the elder takes hold of each of them who are to receive baptism, he shall tell each of them to renounce, saying, "I renounce you Satan, all your service (or servants), and all your works." ¹⁰After he has said this, he shall anoint each with the Oil of Exorcism, saying, "Let every evil spirit depart from you." ¹¹Then, after these things, the bishop passes each of them on nude to the elder who stands at the water. They shall stand in the water naked. A deacon, likewise, will go down with them into the water. ¹²When each of them to be baptized has gone down into the water, the one baptizing shall lay hands on each of them, asking, "Do you believe in God the Father Almighty?" ¹³And the one being baptized shall answer, "I believe." ¹⁴He shall then baptize each of them once, laying his hand upon each of their heads. ¹⁵Then he shall ask, "Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was born of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, who was crucified under Pontius Pilate, and died, and rose on the third day living from the dead, and ascended into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of the Father, the one coming to judge the living and the dead?" ¹⁶When each has answered, "I believe," he shall baptize a second time. ¹⁷Then he shall ask, "Do you believe in the Holy Spirit and the Holy Church and the resurrection of the flesh?" ¹⁸Then each being baptized shall answer, "I believe." And thus let him baptize the third time.

¹⁹Afterward, when they have come up out of the water, they shall be anointed by the elder with the Oil of Thanksgiving, saying, "I anoint you with holy oil in the name of Jesus Christ." ²⁰Then, drying themselves, they shall dress and afterwards gather in the church.

²¹The bishop will then lay his hand upon them, invoking, saying,
"Lord God, you who have made these worthy
of the removal of sins through the bath of regeneration,
make them worthy to be filled with your Holy Spirit,
grant to them your grace,
that they might serve you according to your will,
for to you is the glory,
Father and Son
with the Holy Spirit,
in the Holy Church,
now and throughout the ages of the ages.
Amen.

²²After this he pours the oil into his hand, and laying his hand on each of their heads, says,
"I anoint you with holy oil
in God the Father Almighty,
and Christ Jesus,
and the Holy Spirit."
²³Then, after sealing each of them on the forehead, he shall give them the kiss of peace and say,
"The Lord be with you."
And the one who has been baptized shall say, "And with your spirit."
²⁴So shall he do to each one.

²⁵From then on they will pray together will all the people. Prior to this they may not pray with the faithful until they have completed all. ²⁶After they pray, let them give the kiss of peace.
²⁷Then the deacons shall immediately bring the oblation. The bishop shall bless the bread, which is the symbol of the Body of Christ; and the bowl of wine mixed with water, which is the symbol of the Blood which has been shed for all who believe in him; ²⁸and the milk and honey mixed together, in fulfillment of the promise made to the fathers, in which he said, "a land flowing with milk and honey," which Christ indeed gave, his Flesh, through which those who believe are nourished like little children, by the sweetness of his Word, softening the bitter heart; ²⁹and water also for an oblation, as a sign of the baptism, so that the inner person, which is psychic, may also receive the same as the body. ³⁰The bishop shall give an explanation of all these things to those who are receiving. ³¹Breaking the bread, distributing a piece to each, he shall say, "The Bread of Heaven in Jesus Christ."
³²And the one who receives shall answer,
"Amen."

³³The elders, and the deacons if there are not enough, shall hold the cups and stand together in good order and with reverence: first the one who holds the water, second the one who holds the milk, and third the one who holds the wine. ³⁴They who partake shall taste of each three times. And he who gives shall say, "In God the Father Almighty."
The one who receives shall respond,
"Amen."

³⁵The one giving shall say,
"And in the Lord Jesus Christ."
The one who receives shall respond,
"Amen."

³⁶The one giving shall say,
"And in the Holy Spirit, and in the Holy Church."
And the one who receives shall respond,
"Amen."

³⁷It shall be done so for each.
³⁸When these things are done, they shall be zealous to do good works, and to please God, living honorably, devoting themselves to the church, doing the things which they were taught, and advancing in piety.
³⁹We have delivered these things to you only briefly concerning baptism and the oblation because you have already been instructed concerning the resurrection of the flesh and the rest according to what is written. ⁴⁰If there is anything else which needs to be told, the bishop shall tell it privately to those who receive baptism. None but the faithful may know, and even them only after receiving baptism. This is the white stone about which John said, "A new name is written on it, which no one knows except the one who received the stone."

22 The distribution of the Communion

¹On the first day of the week the bishop, if possible, shall deliver the oblation to all the people with his own hand, while the deacons break the bread. ²When the deacon brings it to the elder, the deacon shall present his platter, and the elder shall take it himself and distribute it to the people by his own hand. ³Other days they will receive the oblation according to the command of the bishop.

23 Fasting

¹Widows and virgins will fast often and pray for the Church. The elders will fast when they want to, as is the same for the laypeople. ²The bishop may not fast except when all the people fast. ³For often someone will bring an offering, and it cannot be rejected. For whenever the bishop breaks the bread, he must partake of it, and eat it with all who are there.

24 On gifts to the sick

¹The deacon shall be diligent in giving the oblation to the sick, if there is no elder. ²When he has been given as much as is necessary, receiving according to how much
needs to be given out, he shall give thanks, and they shall eat there.

25 On the bringing in of lights at the supper of the congregation

¹When the evening has arrived, with the bishop present the deacon shall bring in a lamp. ²The bishop, standing in the midst of all the faithful present, shall give thanks. But he
shall first greet all by saying, 
"The Lord be with you."
³And all the people shall respond, "And with your spirit."
⁴Then the bishop shall say, "Let us give thanks to the Lord."
⁵And the people shall respond, "It is proper and just. Greatness and exaltation and glory are due to him."
⁶But he shall not say, "Lift up your hearts,"
because that is said for the oblation.
⁷And he shall pray thus, saying,
"We give thanks to you, O God,
through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
because you have enlightened us by revealing the incorruptible light.
⁸Therefore, having finished the length of a day,
and arriving at the beginning of the night,
and having been satisfied with the light of the day
which you created for our satisfaction,
and since we now do not lack a light for the evening through your grace,
we sanctify you and glorify you,
⁹through your only Son our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom to you with him be glory and might and honor
with the Holy Spirit, now and always, and throughout the ages of the ages.
Amen.
¹⁰Then all shall say,
"Amen."

¹¹After the meal they shall get up and pray, and the children shall sing songs, along with the virgins.

¹²Afterwards, the deacon holding the mixed cup of the oblation shall say a psalm from among those in which is written Alleluia. ¹³Then, if the elder orders it, more from the same psalms. After this, the bishop shall offer the cup, saying one of those psalms appropriate to the cup, all of which should include Alleluia. ¹⁴When the psalms are recited, all shall say,"Alleluia," which means, "We praise he who is God. Glory and praise to him who created all the world by word alone!" ¹⁵When the psalm is completed, he shall bless the cup and give of the pieces of bread to all the faithful ones.

26 Description of a liturgical dinner 

¹When they dine, the faithful present shall take from the hand of the bishop a small piece of bread before taking their own bread, because it is blessed. Yet it is not the eucharist, like the body of the Lord. ²Before they all drink, they shall take their cups and give thanks for them. Thus they will eat and drink in purity. ³However, give the catechumens exorcised bread and cups.

27 Catechumens should not eat with the faithful

¹The catechumen may not take part in the Lord's Supper. ²At every meal, those who eat shall remember him who invited them, because he requested that they might come under his roof.

28 That one should eat with understanding and moderation

¹Eat and drink in moderation. Do not drink to drunkenness, so that no one will mock you and so that he who invited you will not be grieved by your disorderly conduct. It is better that he continue to pray to be made worthy so that the saints may come to him. For indeed, as he said, "You are the salt of the earth." ²If you are all assembled and are offered a dinner gift, accept it. ³When you eat, eat sufficiently and not to excess, so that the host may have some left that he can then send to someone as leftovers of the saints, so that the one to whom it is sent may rejoice.

⁴Let the guests eat in silence, without arguing, saying only what the bishop allows. If someone asks a question, it shall be answered. When the bishop answers, all shall remain
silent, praising him modestly, until someone else asks a question. ⁵And if, in the absence of the bishop, the faithful attend the meal in the presence of an elder or a deacon, they shall eat in the same way, honorably. Everyone shall be careful to receive the blessed bread and from the hand of the elder or deacon. Similarly, the catechumen will still receive exorcised. ⁶If laypeople only are gathered, they shall behave modestly, for a layperson cannot make the blessed bread.

29 That one should eat with thanksgiving

¹Each shall eat in the Name of the Lord. For this is pleasing to God that we should show ourselves as zealots even among the pagans, all of us being unified and sober.

30 On supper for widows

¹Whenever someone wishes to invite older widows to a meal, he shall send them away before sunset. ²If he cannot receive them in his own home due to his ecclesiastical office, he shall give them food and wine and send them away. Then they may eat it at home as they please.

31 On the first fruits 

¹All shall be diligent to offer to the bishop the firstfruits of the fruits of the first harvest. 

²He shall bless them, saying,
³"We give thanks to you, God,
and offer to you the firstfruits of the fruits
which you have given to us as food,
having nourished them by your word,
commanding the earth to bring forth all kinds of fruit
for the pleasure and nourishment of men and all animals.
⁴For all this we praise you, God,
in which you have been our benefactor,
adorning all creation for us with various fruits,
5through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
through whom to you be glory
throughout the ages of the ages.
Amen."

32 On the fruits which it is right to offer

¹These are the fruits which he shall bless: the grape, fig, pomegranate, olive, pear, apple, blackberry, peach, cherry, almond, and plum. But not the pumpkin, melon, cucumber, onion, garlic, or any other vegetable.
²Sometimes flowers also are offered. The rose and lily may be offered, but no other flowers. ³With all foods, give thanks to the Holy God, eating them to his glory.

33 That nobody should touch any food at the Pascha before the proper time

¹No one must eat anything on Pascha (that is Easter) a before the oblation has been made, for with
one who acts thus, it will not be counted as a fast. 2If a woman is pregnant, or if someone
is sick and cannot fast for two days, let them fast on Saturday, taking bread and water if
necessary. 3If are at sea or for any other necessity did not know the day, when they have
learned it they shall fast after Pentecost. 4For the Passover which we celebrate is not a
type, for the type has indeed passed. For this reason it no longer happens in the second
month, and one should fast when one has learned the truth.

34 That it is proper for deacons to attend on the bishop

¹Each of the deacons and sub-deacons shall serve the bishop. The bishop shall be told who are the sick, so that if it seems good to him, he may visit them. For the sick are greatly comforted that the high priest remembers them.

35 On the time when it is proper to pray

¹The faithful, as soon as they wake up and are risen, before beginning work, shall pray to God, and then go to their work. ²But if there is any instruction in the Word, they shall give this preference and go there to hear the Word of God for the strengthening of their souls. They shall be zealous to go to the church, where the Spirit flourishes.

36 That it is proper to fast before partake of the Eucharist

¹The faithful shall be careful to partake of the eucharist before eating anything else. For if they eat with faith, even though some deadly poison is given to them, after this it will not be able to harm them.

37 That it is proper to guard the Eucharist carefully

¹All shall be careful so that no unbeliever tastes of the eucharist, nor a mouse or other animal, nor that any of it falls and is lost. For it is the Body of Christ, to be eaten by those who believe, and not to be scorned.

38 Take proper care of the cup

¹Having blessed the cup in the Name of God, you received it as the antitype of the Blood of Christ. ²Therefore do not spill from it, for some foreign spirit to lick it up because you despised it. You will become as one who scorns the Blood, the price with which you have been bought.

39 Daily meetings of presbyters and deacons

¹The deacons and elders shall meet daily at the place which the bishop appoints for them. The deacons especially should not fail to meet every day, except when illness prevents them. ²When all have assembled, they shall teach all those who are in the assembly. Then, after having prayed, each one shall go to the work assigned to him.

40 On the cemeteries

¹Do not put a high price on burying people in the cemeteries, for they are for all the poor. However, they shall pay the wages of a workman to whoever digs the hole, and the price of the bricks. ²The bishop will provide for the caretaker there from what they offer at the assemblies, so that there is no charge for those who come to the place.

41 On the time when it is proper to pray

¹Let every faithful man and every faithful woman , when they rise from sleep at dawn, before they undertake any work, wash their hands and pray to God. Then they may go to work. ²But if there is some instruction in the Word, they shall go there, considering that it is God whom they hear in the one instructing. For having prayed in the assembly, they will be able to avoid all the evils of the day. The pious should consider it a great wrong if they do not go to the place in which they give instruction, especially if they know how to read.

³If there is a teacher there, let no one be late in arriving at the assembly where they give instruction. Then it shall be given to whoever speaks to utter things which are useful to each one, and you will hear things you did not know, and you will benefit from the things which the Holy Spirit will give to you through the one who instructs. In this way, your faith will be strengthened by what you will have heard. He will also tell you there what you ought to do at home. Therefore, let each one be certain to go to the assembly, to the place where the Holy Spirit flourishes.

⁴If there is a day when there is no instruction, let each one at home take a holy book and read enough of it to gain an advantage from it.

⁵If you are at home, pray at the third hour and praise God. If you are elsewhere at that time, pray in your heart to God. ⁶For in this hour Christ was seen nailed to the wood. And thus in the Old Testament the Law instructed that the shewbread be offered at the third hour as a symbol of the Body and Blood of Christ. And the sacrifice of the irrational (Gk alogos) lamb was a symbol of the perfect Lamb. For Christ is the Shepherd, and he is also the bread which descended from heaven.

⁷Pray also at the sixth hour. Because when Christ was attached to the wood of the cross, the daylight ceased and became darkness. Thus you should pray a powerful prayer at this hour, imitating the cry of him who prayed and all creation was made dark for the unbelieving Jews.

⁸Pray also at the ninth hour a great prayer with great praise, imitating the souls of the righteous who do not lie, who glorify God who remembered his saints and sent his Word to them to enlighten them. 9For in that hour Christ was pierced in his side, pouring out water and blood, and the rest of the time of the day, he gave light until evening. This way he made the dawn of another day at the beginning of his sleep, fulfilling the type of his
resurrection.

¹⁰Pray also before your body rests on your bed.

¹¹Around midnight rise and wash your hands with water and pray. If you are married, pray together. ¹²But if your spouse is not yet baptized, go into another room to pray, and then return to bed. Do not hesitate to pray, for one who has been joined in marital relations is not impure. Those who have bathed have no need to wash again, for they are pure. ¹³By catching your breath in your hand and signing yourself with the moisture of
your breath, your body is purified, even to the feet. For the gift of the Spirit and the outpouring of the baptism, proceeding from the heart of the believer as though from a fountain, purifies the one who has believed.

¹⁵Thus it is necessary to pray at this hour. For those elders who handed down the tradition to us taught us that in this hour every creature hushes for a brief moment to praise the Lord. Stars and trees and waters stand
still for an instant. All the host of angels serving him, together with the souls of the righteous, praise God. ¹⁶This is why it is important that all those who believe make certain to pray at that hour. Testifying to this, the Lord says thus, "Behold, a cry was made at midnight, saying, 'Behold the bridegroom is coming! Arise to meet him!'" And he adds, saying, "Watch, therefore, for you do not know when the hour is coming."

¹⁷Likewise, at the hour of the cock-crow, rise and pray. Because at this hour, with the cock-crow, the children of Israel refused Christ, who we know through faith, hoping daily in the hope of eternal light in the resurrection of the dead. ¹⁸With these things, all you faithful, if you do and remember them, instructing one another, and encouraging the catechumens, you will not be able to be tempted or to perish, having Christ always in your thoughts.

42 About the Seal or the Sign of the Cross

¹If you are tempted, seal your foreheads reverently. For this is the Sign of the Passion, displayed and made manifest against the devil, provided that you do it with faith, not to be seen by men, but by presenting it with skill like a shield. ²Because the Adversary, when he sees the strength of the heart and when he sees the inner man which is animated by the Word show, formed on the exterior, the interior image of the Word, he is made to flee by the Spirit which is in you. ³This is symbolized by the Paschal lamb which was sacrificed, the blood of which Moses sprinkled on the threshold, and smeared on the doorposts. He told us of the faith which is now in us, which was given to us through the perfect Lamb. ⁴By sealing the forehead and eyes with the hand, we turn aside the one who is seeking to destroy us.

43 Conclusion

Thus, if these things are heard with grace and correct faith, they bestow edification on the Church and eternal life on the believers. ²I counsel that these things be observed by all with good understanding. For if all who hear the apostolic tradition follow and keep it, no heretic will be able to introduce error, nor will any other person at all. ³It is in this manner that the many heresies have grown, for those who were leaders did not wish to inform themselves of the opinion of the apostles, but did what they wanted according to their own pleasure, and not what was appropriate.

⁴If we have omitted anything, beloved ones, God will reveal it to those who are worthy, steering Holy Church to her mooring in the quiet haven.

 

https://www.stjohnsarlingtonva.org/Customer-Content/saintjohnsarlington/CMS/files/EFM/Apostolic_Tradition_by_Hippolytus.pdf 3/10/22
The source given in the above page but is no longer correct:  www.bombaxo.com/hippolytus.html
As of today 3/14/22 it is at http://bombaxo.com/hippolytus-the-apostolic-tradition/ 
https://www.stjohnsarlingtonva.org/default.asp 
 

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/61614/61614-h/61614-h.htm 3/10/22

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostolic_Tradition 3/10/22

 

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