APOSTOLIC TRADITION

APOSTOLIC TRADITION. Although appearing in the manuscript tradition without either title or author and called the “Egyptian Church Order” in the 19th c., this document appears to have been the work of Hippolytus (q.v.) of Rome (fl. early 3rd c.). As such, it constitutes the earliest church order extant and is thus a priceless witness to the liturgy (q.v.) of the first Christian centuries. The outline and prayers of the Eucharist (q.v.), of episcopal, presbyterial, and diaconal ordination, are all given, as are a brief account of the requirements of the catechumenate (q.v.) and the text of the baptismal service. It is highly likely that the services described are those of the Roman Church.