15 February 2026

Orthodox Cherry Pick Church Fathers—Ignore What Doesn't Fit

From Totus Catholica


What happens when we selectively quote the Church Fathers to fit our theological preferences? In this insightful video, we explore how both Catholics and Orthodox Christians sometimes "cherry-pick" the writings of the early Church Fathers to support their own views while ignoring teachings that challenge their positions. By examining the full witness of the Fathers on key issues like the Eucharist, the papacy, Marian doctrines, and the authority of the Church, we uncover how their testimony points unmistakably toward the Catholic Church as the faithful bearer of Apostolic Tradition. 📌 Watch until the end to understand why receiving the Church Fathers with integrity is essential for avoiding confusion and division—and how their teachings can deepen your faith in the fullness of Catholic truth. ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Video: 📖 Why cherry-picking the Church Fathers undermines the continuity of tradition 🌟 How the Fathers consistently testify to Catholic doctrines like the Real Presence, Petrine primacy, and Marian dogmas 👑 Practical steps to study the Fathers prayerfully and integrate their wisdom into your daily life 🙏 The importance of unity under the Magisterium and the visible authority of the Church ⏳ Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction: The Problem of Selectively Quoting the Church Fathers 2:53 - The Biblical and Historical Foundation of Tradition 4:16 - St. Irenaeus and the Role of Rome in Preserving Apostolic Faith 6:09 - How to Receive the Fathers with Integrity Today 8:42 - Addressing Counterpoints from Orthodox Christians 10:01 - Key Takeaways and Living Out the Fullness of Catholic Truth 📖 Key Scripture & References: John 16:13 – The Holy Spirit leads the Church into all truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 – Hold fast to the traditions taught by word of mouth or letter. Acts 15 – The Council of Jerusalem demonstrates the Church’s authority to resolve disputes. CCC 78 – Sacred Tradition and Scripture form one sacred deposit of the Word of God. CCC 888 – Bishops, with Peter and under Peter, proclaim the Gospel authentically. 🔗 Additional Resources: 📖 St. Irenaeus: Appeals to the succession of bishops in Rome as a safeguard of apostolic faith. 📖 St. Augustine: “Rome has spoken; the case is closed.” 📖 St. Ignatius of Antioch: Urges Christians to remain united under their bishop in one Eucharist. 📖 St. Cyril of Alexandria: Submits his judgment to the confirmation of Pope Celestine. How has reading the Church Fathers prayerfully and in context deepened your understanding of Catholic doctrine? Have you ever encountered selective quoting of the Fathers in discussions with Orthodox or Protestant Christians?

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