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Patristic & Ascetical Texts

The Didache (Teaching of the Twelve)

The earliest known Christian catechetical text (c. 50-120 AD), discovered in 1873. Contains instructions on ethics (the 'Two Ways': life and death), baptism, fasting, prayer (including the Lord's Prayer three times daily), the Eucharist, and church order. Provides a window into the worship and life of the earliest Christian communities.

Sources

  • Didache (Teaching of the Twelve Apostles): full text in Apostolic Fathers ANF
  • St. Athanasius, 39th Festal Letter (367 AD): lists Didache as useful reading NPNF
  • Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History III.25.4 (mentions the Didache) ANF

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