On Teaching Holy Scripture

by Elder Cleopa of Romania

Each Christian has the need to read Holy Scripture, yet each Christian does not also have the authority or ability to teach and interpret the words of Scripture.  This privileged authority is reserved for the Church via its holy clergy and theologians, men who are instructed in and knowledgeable of the true faith.  When we consider how our Saviour gave the grace of teaching to His Holy Apostles and not to the masses it is easy for us to see that the prerogative to teach is held only by the bishops, priests and theologians of our Church.  It was the Apostles who were sent by Christ to teach and to celebrate the Holy Mysteries.